Wednesday, April 9, 2008, Rabi-ul-Sani 2,1429    

NCA stays unchanged

Akhtar Jamal

Islamabad—Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has vowed that Pakistan would “never compromise on its national interests” while dealing with the United States on war on terror but reaffirmed that new Government was committed to counter terrorism strongly.

In an interview with PTV Tuesday evening Foreign Minister Qureshi also welcomed the realization in Washington that the militants may also be engaged in negotiations aimed at eliminating extremism and terrorism in the area. The move is considered as success of the new Government.

Discussing Pak-U.S. dialogue the Foreign Minister expressed the hope that relations between the two states and partners in war on terror would improve further but cautioned that “one sided-love cannot last long.”

He also said that relationship between the countries cannot last long if “one sided interest is taken care of.”

Asked if he would initiate dialogue with the militants, FM Qureshi said “while dealing strongly with terrorists we must address and engage others in dialogue”.