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DOCUMENT No.
5
Statement By The Prime Minister Of Pakistan On The Iraqi Situation
It is with a heavy heart that the Government and the people of Pakistan are
watching events unfolding at a very fast pace in the continuing crisis over
Iraq. Our priorities in the Security Council and in all other international,
regional and bilateral negotiations and discussions, have been, and continue
to be, to call for a peaceful solution within the framework of the United
Nations and based on our deep concern that the Iraqi people should not
unnecessarily bear the burden of additional suffering.
The UNMOVIC and IAEA inspectors are carrying out useful work to
confirm and to ensure Iraq’s mandated disarmament under the UN Security
Council Resolutions. They must be given adequate time to look into and to
verify or otherwise, allegations and their supporting evidence. Iraq which has
pledged full cooperation must implement its commitment without any
reservation. Such reservations would compromise its commitment on the
substance and process of this vital and decisive issue. It is with deep regret
that we have seen that the momentum of events seems to be inexorably moving
from peace to war, despite the sincere efforts of the international community,
and the hopes and aspirations of the world public.
The situation is fraught with grave consequences for the
international system as a whole, for the United Nations, and the role of the
Security Council which has the recognized primary responsibility for
safeguarding and maintaining international peace and security. The very unity
and credibility of the Security Council is at stake.
The Muslim Ummah, from the shores of the Atlantic to the Pacific,
is deeply worried that war may break out, and its implications not only for
the people of Iraq, but for the future stability and polity of the Islamic
countries. At this time the need for inter-civilizational harmony has never
been greater.
Therefore, a heavy burden has been placed on the international
community, particularly on Security Council members and on Iraq to take
timely, effective and adequate steps to surmount this challenge to peace and
stability.
In this situation which calls for understanding and statesmanship
by all concerned, it is also vitally important that the Iraqi leadership takes
the steps which are in the interests of the Iraqi people and to ensure that
Iraq fully cooperates and extends all mandated and required assistance to the
UNMOVIC and IAEA inspection processes, to adequately answer the unresolved
questions, doubts and apprehensions voiced by the inspectors, and by certain
members of the international community.
To avert a disaster and tragedy for the Iraqi people, Pakistan
calls upon President Saddam Hussain to do his utmost, and to put the Iraqi
people first. It is imperative that the President weigh all options, to save
the people of Iraq from death and destruction on an unprecedented scale.
A heavy responsibility now falls on those who wish to avert war
and bloodshed, including on the Iraqi leadership. This is the sincere feeling
and advice of Pakistan which has always stood shoulder to shoulder with the
Muslim Ummah at all times. We pray to Allah Almighty that all decision makers
in the international community and in Iraq will take heed of Pakistan’s call.
Islamabad, 05 February 2003.
<http://www.forisb.org/PR03-041.htm>
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