The Chinese have their own dream!
Dr Jassim Taqui
Shanghai—Interaction with Mr. Ma Xuejie, Deputy Director General,
Bureau of Culture, Broadcasting and Television Administration in
Shanghai was the most interesting. In an open and candid discussion
Mr. Xuejie proclaimed “Like the Americans, the Chinese have their
own dream. The Chinese dream, however, is different. It is called
Socialist Market Economy. Its objective is to better the living
standard of the people in a gradual manner.”
The brain behind Socialist, Market Economy policy or “One China two
systems” was the legendary leader Mr. Deng Xiaoping.
According to Xuejie, China has not given up its Marxist ideology. It
has only introduced reform in the system, using market economy as a
vehicle to improve the living conditions of the poor.
Ostensibly, the middle course policy and the application of gradual
and slow social change seem to deliver. It is universally recognized
that China has evolved sound and dynamic economic system and rising
international influence. This Chinese Dream has become a reality.
Today, it constitutes one of the most important elements of
international relations in the early 21st century.
In the initial stages of the Chinese Dream, China is making global
economic impact. China has attained high growth rates (over 10 per
cent per annum) for the past twenty years, driven particularly by
high domestic savings, large inflows of foreign direct investment
and economic reforms which have included a large role for the
private sector.
A major element in growth is China’s rapid rise as an exporter of
manufactured goods. China’s growth has raised living standards for
many millions of people.
China’s remarkable economic transition is being led and managed by
the Chinese Communist Party’s ‘fourth generation’ of leaders headed
by President Hu Jintao, who is seeking to combine high growth with
reductions in socio-economic inequalities.
To ensure a stable national environment, China has improved
relations with its neighbours and major partners including India,
Russia and the European Union. China has also increased
significantly its multilateral engagement, both in existing groups
and in new forums it has established (such as the Shanghai
Cooperation Organization). A principal focus in foreign relations is
to secure the resources needed for continued growth, which is
increasing the profile of China’s relations with resource-producing
countries in Asia , Africa and Latin America.
The capacity and sophistication of China’s conduct of foreign
relations have been upgraded markedly and China has also greatly
enhanced its image through social, cultural and educational links,
especially in East Asia. China’s economic growth is also
facilitating a programme of modernization of its military forces to
introduce new equipment and improved operational capacities. A major
focus of these developments has been to increase China’s capacities
in the vicinity of Taiwan.
China’s single most important international relationship is with the
world’s dominant superpower, the United States. Since relations were
normalized in 1979, China and the US have developed many areas of
cooperation and a most important economic relationship, while
simultaneously having areas of difference and dispute especially
over Taiwan. Beijing insists that Taiwan is an integral part of
China and that Taiwan would never be compromised under any
circumstances.
China has a close and growing economic relationship with Japan but
political relations remain clouded due to differences over Taiwan.
On the Korean peninsula, China has since the early 1990s developed
very close relations with South Korea, with extensive trade,
investment and educational links. With North Korea, China opposes
the North’s nuclear programme and has actively sponsored the Six
Party Talks process since 2003.
Chinese political, economic and trade relations have also witnessed
substantial success with ASEAN, the Asia Pacific Economic
Cooperation group, Southwest Pacific, Australia and South Asia.
Xuejie, however, insists that the Chinese Dream would be fulfilled
when the Chinese Communist Party ensures harmonious social welfare
among all sections of the people. Until, this goal is achieved, the
struggle would continue.
The Shanghai miracle
Dr. Jassim Taqui
Shanghai—Being in the majestic city of Shanghai is always an
education. Interacting with Mr. Shao Huixing, Deputy Director
General of Shanghai Foreign Affairs gives you the vision and the
brainy mind of an administration that thinks of futuristic plans
accordingly. The theme becomes very clear. You should think, change
your mindset and be innovative to prove your distinctive identity
and to live in a state of freedom that releases you energy and
creativity.
In order to safeguard your sovereignty and independence, you should
achieve economic dependence and work hard for the welfare of your
people. This is exactly what the leadership of the city has done to
Shanghai. The city has undergone historic changes and has become one
of the largest economic centers of China.
The people here are not influenced by any model. They have the model
of their own. They influence other nations rather than get
influenced by them. The people realize that their identity is well
established by influencing the global events and not vice-versa.
Hence an economic miracle has been achieved along with some
outstanding social and political change.
The GDP stands today to be 1200 billion Yuan thank to Shanghai
export and import estimated to be 5201 billion dollars in 2007.
Every nation wants today to invest in Shanghai due to investment
friendly policies , peace and stability in the city . Hence, in 2007
total investment was estimated to be $ 446.586 billion. The city
realized a total industrial output of $ 2300 billion in iron and
steal, automobile, petrochemicals. Electronics and heavy industry.
In short, Shanghai has established itself to be the genuine miracle
of China. It continues to progress in every field to be the pride of
Asia, China and the whole world. Mr. Huixing attributes this
development to the opening up of China by the Chinese legendry
leader Mr. Deng Xiaoping thirty years ago. Late Deng Xiaoping set an
example and was a visionary leader. He knew that the only way to
liberation is to achieve economic independence and to open up to the
world. Deng Xiaoping policies are now in action. His moderation,
perception and promotion of the cause of the poor and downtrodden
and fully empowerment of women are crystal clear in many provinces
of China especially in Shanghai.
Shanghai is very ambitious. It is aspiring to be number one not only
in Asia but also in the world. Hence it is preparing for World Expo
2010. The city was made a twin city of Karachi. According to Mr.
Huixing the local government is paying keen interest to the
environmental protection and urban greening. In 2007, Shanghai
invested 36.6 billion Yuan on environmental protection and reduction
of pollutant emission.
What makes the city unique is its emphasis on promotion of culture.
The city successfully hosted a series of major cultural events
including Shanghai International Arts Festivals , Shanghai
International Festival, and Shanghai International Garment Cultural
Festival. Huixing disclosed that Shanghai won 210 prizes at
important national and international art and cultural events in the
year 2007.
Soccer semi-final of Beijing 2008 Olympics would be played in
Shanghai. Hence, large number of tourists are expected to flood the
city. Shanghai normally received 6.6 tourist last year. In this year
much more tourists are expected.
Shanghai hosted 21 international sports events including the 12th
Special Olympics World Summer Games and FIFA Women’s World Cup 2007.
Five Shanghai athletes won 7 world championships at major
international sport events.
The scheme against Chinese Tibet
Dr Jassim Taqui
Beijing—A group of media-persons from SAARC visited Tibet Museum at
Beijing. The visit was arranged by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign
Affairs. Having spent over an hour seeing various parts of the
Museum, one got a very clear message: Historically, Tibet is an
integral part of China. And China would never comprise on this
strategic region.
However, one felt that the Tibet of China is under threat. Chinese
were visibly worried. Tibet has made recently some noise in the
Western media. And just before the Beijing 2008 Olympics, the
Western media resurrected the so-called Tibet issue and the
activities of Dalai Lama.
Close to this region, the NATO forces have entrenched themselves in
Afghanistan. The nearby tribal areas of Pakistan is mysteriously
destabilized and stuffed with large number of militants and weapons.
Suddenly, a news is leaked to the media stating that Osama bin Laden
was spotted in K-2 region and that NATO might move in to arrest him.
Earlier, the Western media claimed that Osama bin Laden was hiding
in mountains that are located in the Chinese territories and moves
from it into Pakistani border.
The resurrection of Tibet at this time is mind boggling. Both India
and Western powers have concentrated on Tibet to create instability,
regionalism and factionalism in China. Ironically, nature has
protected this region with the solid wall of the high mountains of
the Himalayas. There is no way that any power would penetrate
through it. But the danger might be created from within.
By embracing Dalai Lama, India is planning to induce population
migration into Tibet. This population migration, could turn Tibet
into an extension of India and, over time, become a potential base
for Indian power. If that were to happen, India’s strategic frontier
would directly touch Sichuan and Yunnan — the Chinese heartland.
In fact India never hides its intention. It is within this period
that New Delhi made two tests on China- Specific Agni ballistic
missiles that are capable of carrying nuclear weapons and hit all
major cities in China.
On the long run, India would create instability in Tibet and
Xinjiang to deprive China of strategic territories and to break down
the vast buffers between China and the rest of Eurasia. This
explains the fact that the Indians are using the Dalai Lama as a
puppet and make him move and create media stir whenever the Indians
and their Western allies dictate.
In fact, the latest unrest in Tibet is instigated by the Indian
government, which uses the Dalai Lama to try to destabilize the
Chinese Tibet and open the door to Indian strategic plans.
Most certainly, the Indians are not running the show alone. They
have changed ideology following the demise of the Soviet Union. They
established China-specific strategic partnership with the United
States since 2001.
The trouble in Tibet is being created when the Chinese government is
occupied with security issues as the Olympics approach. One should
not also dismiss the possibility that the Indians are in fact
playing an American secret role similar to the one Washington played
in supporting the so-called “color revolution” in former Soviet
Union.
The American think-tanks thought that China was without option since
Beijing would never venture a move against Taiwan. However, Beijing
has already made a political move through strengthening political,
economic and military ties with Russia.
Future depends on strong Sino-Russian ties: Medvedev
Dr Jassim Taqui
Beijing—The first maiden visit of the Russian President, Mr. Dmitry
Medvedev, to People’s Republic of China has been very well received
here. The visit is seen as a landmark in promoting bilateral
relations between Moscow and Beijing. Its timing is also an
indication that Medvedev intends to continue with the policies of
former Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Strategists believe that the visit would have far-reaching
implications on South Asia, Europe and the Middle East. It would
influence virtually the entire global political issues including the
war on terrorism, resolving global issues and activating the United
Nations in conflict resolution everywhere in Asia, Africa and
Europe. It is so because China and Russia, who are both permanent
members of UN Security Council oppose militarilism and the use of
force to achieve foreign policy objectives.
The visit is a testimony of a dynamic Chinese foreign policy.
Beijing has patiently and persistently worked hard to improve the
political and military relations with Moscow to balance the US
global domination especially following Indo-US strategic
partnership.
This reading is based on the joint condemnation of the US missile
defence plans. Both Mr. Medvedev and the Chinese President Hu Jintao
indirectly criticized the US missile system in the joint communiqué
by stating “the creation of global missile defense systems and their
deployment in some regions of the world does not help to maintain
strategic balance and stability and hampers international efforts in
arms control and nuclear nonproliferation.”
Beijing and Moscow are engaged in economic development. Hence, both
oppose the deployment of arms in space and missile and nuclear armed
race even as they support use of nuclear energy for peaceful
purposes.
Similarly, a message was sent to both Washington and New Delhi when
Russia and China signed a US$1 billion deal to build a uranium
enrichment facility in China for peaceful purposes. The deal
envisages supplying Beijing with low-enriched uranium. Evidently,
this agreement would enhance Chinese policy of modernizing nuclear
power plants.
One can easily understand the concern of Beijing and Moscow .
Beijing genuinely feels threatened by the decision of the Bush
administration to deploy in Japan and Taiwan anti-missile defences.
Similarly , Moscow has been nervous over the planned US deployment
of missile defence sites in Poland and the Czech Republic.
Another aspect is the Sino-Russia fear from the expansion of NATO
with a view of containing both Russia and China. NATO is eying
Georgia and Ukraine. It is also prolonging deployment of its forces
in Afghanistan under the guise of fighting terrorism.
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has been clear minded. When he was
questioned by Beijing University students on science and education,
he stressed, “The future depends on a strong and vibrant
Russia-China relationship.”
The closer Sino-Russian cooperation is putting New Delhi in a
dilemma. India cannot afford annoying its strategic Russian ally to
appease Washington. New Delhi would have to adjust its policy with
the strong affinity between Moscow and Beijing. It has to be in the
camp of the emerging “Asianism” especially when all members of SAARC
have openly identified themselves with this trend.
Soon, New Delhi would find its way. And the best way to deal with
the so-called “threat perception” is to opt for dialogue. This can
be achieved by resolving its border disputes with its neighbours
through peaceful means and in a spirit of compromise and mutual
accommodation.
It is a suicidal for New Delhi to go with the US policy of
destabilizing China through using Tibet as a strategic starting
point . Such “spoiler role” or “regional superpower role” would
destabilize India and the entire region of South Asia.
Shenzhen’s step towards democracy
Dr Jassim Taqui
Shenzhen—The Shenzhen local government published a draft of a
document titled “Shenzhen Future Reforms” on its Web site for the
public to comment upon . The draft summarizes tentative plans for
political, administrative, economic and cultural reforms in Shenzhen
and describes 19 key tasks, including the holding of mayoral
elections in Shenzhen when “conditions allow.” Members of the
regional National People’s Congress will be allowed to run directly
in these elections.
By conducting China’s “intraparty democracy” experiment in Shenzhen,
Chinese President Hu Jintao is paying homage to the legacy of Deng
Xiaoping and signaling that if the test proves successful,
intraparty democracy will spread to the rest of China.
The document is a result of the National People’s Congress in March,
when “intraparty democracy” the Chinese Communist Party (CPC)
version of “rule by consensus” was put in place as one of the key
planks of Chinese President Hu Jintao”s legacy. The groundwork for
the Shenzhen experiment originally was laid in March when Wang Yang,
secretary of the CPC’s Guangdong Provincial Committee, visited
Shenzhen and officially announced that the city would “set an
example for the nation.” Such initiatives have been tried at the
village level before but never in as large or as prominent a city as
Shenzhen.
Long a showcase for new ideas from the center, Shenzhen was one of
the original sites of Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping’s groundbreaking
economic, political and social reform programs and was home to
China’s first special economic zone. By formally launching China’s
intraparty democracy experiment in Shenzhen, Hu is paying direct
homage to Deng’s legacy and signaling that if this test proves
successful, intraparty democracy will spread to the rest of China.
The province of Guangdong has never built the political power base
that Shanghai has, so this latest spotlight on Shenzhen does not
signal an impending central government “crackdown” on disobedient
local officials.
Beijing wants to build some sense of accountability in the
prevailing system and emphasize that the party and government are
owned by the people.
China ranked 1st in foreign exchange
Dr. Jassim Taqui
Beijing—China has achieved a tremendous economic success since the
start of reform in 1978. It is now ranked the 1st in foreign
exchange as compared to beyond 100 in 1978. Similarly it is ranked
3rd in both world trade and FDI( Foreign Direct Investment) and 4th
in GDP, which is averaging now 9.92-9.9,”stated Secretary, Ministry
of Commerce Mr. Wu Zhengpin at a press briefing here.
Presently, China is pioneer in the export of electric fans, cell
phones, LCD, containers, microwave oven, DVDs, recorders, shoes,
colour TVs, bicycles, cameras and motorcycles. Chinese foreign trade
jumped from $20.6 billion in 1978 to 42.7 trillion in 2007.The share
of finished products rose from 46% in 1978 to 94.5% in 2007.
Explaining the “Go Global policy,” Mr. Zhengping disclosed that in
2007, the Outbound Investment stood at $ 18.7 bn in more than 30000
overseas enterprises in 160 countries and regions
During 2007, China signed in the field of Contracting Engineering $
85.3 bn out of which $ 47.9 bn turnover realized.
The Chinese trade with SAARC countries is about $51 billion with
India stands as the major trade partner. The trade volume in 2007
stood at $ 38 billion. Chinese export to India was $24 billion while
it imported commodities from India estimated at $ 14 billion. China
would further improve trade and investment with India.
The trade volume with Pakistan in 2007 stood at $6.5 billion with
Chinese export estimated at $ 5.4 billion while Pakistan managed to
export to China goods worth 1.1 billion.
Mr. Zhengping noted that China signed FTA agreement with Pakistan ,
which is the first of its kind with SAARC countries. Presently,
China is negotiating with Pakistan extension of the FTA to services
sector including insurance, financial, transportation and logistic
aspects.
China keen to develop coop with SAARC: He Yafei
Dr. Jassim Taqui
Beijing—“China is keen to develop economic and regional cooperation
with members of SAARC based on the 5 principles of co-existence,”
stated Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. He Yafei while
formally meeting a media delegation from SAARC at the Chinese
Ministry of Foreign Affairs . Yafei pointed out that China was
linked physically with South Asia and was also involved in the
formulation of the five principles of co-existence since 1949.
Yafei highly commended the relief to the victims of Chinese
earthquake that Beijing received from international community
especially from the neighbouring countries. He particularly thanked
Pakistan, which donated 10,000 tents or 50 percent of its entire
stock of tents, the sympathy, solidarity and sentiments showed by
the people and government of Pakistan.
Speaking on the devastating earthquake, Yafei said that China was
facing a formidable challenge due to heavy losses and massive
demands of reconstruction and rehabilitation. He stated that the
Chinese nation was fully united and were determined to overcome this
natural disaster. Speaking on the reform in China, Yafei stated that
the nation was celebrating 70 years of reform that had brought about
massive social change and huge economic development.
Answering a question on joining SAARC, Yafei noted that China
participated in the last SAARC summit as observer and proposed
projects, which had been appreciated by member-states including
training of diplomats, poverty alleviation and promoting trade with
SAARC. Yafei disclosed that the volume of trade with SAARC countries
reached 50 billion, registering a sharp increase of 45 percent.
He said that China was looking to people-to-people exchanges, and
diversifying regional cooperation.
On relations with smaller countries, Yafei said , “China believes
that small and big countries are equal members of international
community.” He appreciated the steps taken by the government of
Nepal to deter Tibetans from stoning the Chinese Embassy in
Kathmandu and to illegally enter Chinese territories with the
objective of “involvement in arsons instigated by outside forces.”
He said that Beijing was ready to support Nepal in reconstruction,
economic assistance and building infrastructure.
Similarly, Yafei stated that China had committed $ 60 million to
Bangladesh and would provide all assistance possible to it in
building infrastructure and promoting economic development.
Speaking on relations with Sri Lanka, Yafei reiterated, “There is no
hidden agenda behind Chinese assistance to Colombo.” Hinting at
restriction of Western aid to Sri Lanka due to human rights
violation, Yafei pointed out that China also respected human rights
“but no country is perfect in human rights record. Human rights
should ensure the right to live with basic amenities of life. China
has brought about tremendous change in the welfare of the people to
the extent life expectancy has been doubled during the reform
period.”
On establishing diplomatic relations with Bhutan, Yafei said to the
applause of the media- persons , “If Bhutan is ready, China is ready
to establish diplomatic ties with Bhutan today.”
Answering a question of involving SCO with NATO in peacekeeping in
Afghanistan, Mr. Yafei advised caution stating that SCO was
established to fight terrorism and extremism.
Regarding the proposal of extending IPI gas pipelines between Iran,
Pakistan and India to China, Yafei said that he was aware of the
proposal but didn’t know the details of the feasibility of the
proposal.Commenting on ties with India, Yafei stated that the ties
were progressing well and the two countries established a mechanism
to solve the border disputes . However, Yafei stressed the
importance of maintaining border tranquillity and to ensure no
clashes in the border areas.
On forming Asian common market, Yafei noted that Asia was a very
diversed region and needed FTA on bilateral and regional levels
along with greater economic cooperation.
Speaking on relations with Sri Lanka, Yafei reiterated, “There is no
hidden agenda behind Chinese assistance to Colombo.” Hinting at
restriction of Western aid to Sri Lanka due to human rights
violation, Yafei pointed out that China also respected human rights
“but no country is perfect in human rights record…Human rights
should ensure the right to live with basic amenities of life. China
has brought about tremendous change in the welfare of the people to
the extent life expectancy has been doubled during the reform
period.”
On establishing diplomatic relations with Butan, Yafei said to the
applause of the media- persons , “If Butan is ready, China is ready
to establish diplomatic ties with Butan today.”
Answering a question of involving SCO with NATO in peacekeeping in
Afghanistan, Mr. Yafei advised caution stating that SCO was
established to fight terrorism and extremism.Regarding the proposal
of extending IPI gas pipelines between Iran, Pakistan and India to
China, Yafei said that he was aware of the proposal but didn’t know
the details of the feasibility of the proposal.
Commenting on ties with India, Yafei stated that the ties were
progressing well and the two countries established a mechanism to
solve the border disputes . However, Yafei stressed the importance
of maintaining border tranquility and to ensure no clashes in the
border areas.
On forming Asian common market, Yafei noted that Asia was a very
diversed region and needed FTA on bilateral and regional levels
along with greater economic cooperation.
Visit of paramount importance for Pak-Egypt ties,
says Haridy
Interview
Dr Jassim Taqui Deputy Editor(IR)
Arab Republic of Egypt is keen to strengthen ties with Pakistan in
every field and looks forward keenly to the visit of Prime Minister
Sayed Yousuf Raza Gilani. The Egyptian people give Pakistan a
special dignified place, stated the Ambassador of Egypt to Pakistan
Mr. Hussain Haridy in an exclusive interview with Pakistan Observer.
Haridy confirmed that Mr. Gilani would lead a high level delegation
that would also include Federal Ministers, Parliamentarians and
businessmen, commending the leadership of the new political
dispensation for giving this priority to Egypt.
The Egyptian Prime Minister Dr. Ahmed Mahmoud Nazif extended the
official visit to Mr. Gilani to attend the World Economic Forum at
Sherm El- Sheikh ( May 18-20) and to hold talks with him on
promoting the bilateral ties. The visit would be the first ever
foreign visit of the Prime Minister since he assumed power after the
February 18 legislation elections.
According to Haridy, the two sides would discuss ways and means to
strengthen bilateral relations in all fields and explore new avenues
on how to face the challenges that face the Middle East and South
Asia.
“ Egypt believes that the two nations should concentrate on economic
and human resource development. Self-dependence is the best way to
face the challenges of shortage of food and energy,” held Haridy. He
also called for South-South Cooperation “as the best answer to face
challenges rather than expect much from others.”
Answering a question on Gilani-Nazif talks, Haridy stated, “ The
Prime Minister Dr. Ahmed Mahmoud Nazif is eager to hear from his
Pakistani counterpart the future policies and strategies of the
ruling coalition towards enhancing security in South Asia. On his
part Dr. Mazof would explain Egyptian steps to push forward the
peace process by working hard to calm the situation, end the state
of frustration among the Palestinian people and ensuring lifting the
Israeli siege on the Gaza Strip.”
Elaborating further, Haridy stated “We cannot accept the Israeli
policy of starving one million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. We
find that the Israeli reasons are not convincing… We don’t accept
the collective punishment of the brotherly people of Palestine.”
The Middle East and North Africa is rapidly becoming a high-growth
region, opening up many new opportunities for investment and
partnerships. This strong business drive, backed by an extraordinary
oil boom, is weighing up against shifting security and political
realities.
The annual World Economic Forum on the Middle East is the foremost
global gathering of political, business and cultural leaders. This
year’s meeting will use scenarios to explore the region’s future.
Participants will have a unique opportunity to meet the region’s key
leaders, contribute to in-depth debates and gain a rare insight into
the complexities of the Middle East.
Sudan foiled Chad supported attack on Khartoum: Ali
Osman
Interview
Dr Jassim Taqui
Islamabad—”The Sudanese armed forces supported by the civil society have
crushed a rebel attack against the capital Khartoum, killing 400 and
arresting hundreds others along with their weapons,” stated the Ambassador
of Sudan to Pakistan Mr. Dafaa Alla El Haj Ali Osman in an exclusive
interview with Pakistan Observer.
Sudan on May 11 severed diplomatic ties with Chad after a May 10 attack on
Khartoum by Darfur rebels, led by Khalil Ibrahim of the rebel Justice and
Equality Movement( JEM). Osman termed the movement as “Injustice and
Inequality Movement” since it targets innocent people. It is also involved
in robbing people and hindering resolving the conflict through peaceful
means. “
Osman said that the Chadian President Idriss Deby, was behind training the
mercenaries of JEM and supplying them with weapons. He described the attack
on Khartoum as a very naïve and primitive operation. He disclosed that Sudan
monitored it from the very inception and used deception to trap the rebels
and cut their supplies lines. Hundreds of the rebels were sent to Um Dorman
in Khartoum in 162 truck after moving thousands of miles in the desert.
According to Osman, the Government of Sudan took all precautionary measures
and built a fortification around Um Dorman but “a colonial superpower” with
huge military presence in Chad supplied the rebels with satellite images
showing the fortification. Thus the rebels were able to enter Um Dorman from
different route . It is the first time in decades of conflict that rebels
had attacked the capital Khartoum.
The operation was widely condemned by all political parties including the
Opposition parties and the Sudanese civil society especially when JEM used
prohibited weapons. JEM used anti-tanks weapons against the civilians in Um
Dorman in total violation of international laws.
Giving more details, Osman said the 10th May attack was crushed by the armed
forces and the civil society, killing 400 of the rebels, destroying 56
trucks and the rest were seized with their weapons and ammunition. Many of
them appeared before television and stated that they were Chadian nationals.
Outlining the official policy of Sudan, Mr. Osman pointed out that President
Omar El- Bashir had pursued a sustained policy of resolving the conflicts
through dialogue and peaceful means. He cited the example of resolving the
50-year issue of Southern Sudan. He pointed out that Sudan cooperated with
international community to resolve the Darfur issue through signing the
Abuja Agreement with the rebels. However, the leader of JEM Mr. Deby opted
to oppose the deal and consistently attempted to sabotage the peace process
Osman highlighted that the peace process was acclaimed by UN, African Union,
OIC, Arab League, United States and United Kingdom.
King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz of Saudi Arabia tried to convince Deby to
resolve the issue with President El-Bashir through peaceful means. Deby
signed in Holy Mecca a peace agreement with El-Bashir and promised to honour
it. However, he violated the agreement after several days of signing it.
Osman expressed his satisfaction over the reaction of the international
community to the aggression against Sudan and said that UN, AU , OIC, Arab
League, United States and United Kingdom have all condemned it in the
strongest way. On the reaction of Sudan, Mr. Osman said, “ Khartoum would
submit a complaint against Chad in the UN Security Council . Sudan also
retains the right to retaliate in self-defence.”
Judges and impeachment issues to be decided by Pak
leadership: Kramer
Dr. Jassim Taqui
April 22, 2008: Islamabad: The issues of the restoration of Supreme Courts
Judges and the impeachment of President would be left to the leadership of
Pakistan. The US administration would further strengthen the bilateral
relations with Islamabad in all fields.
These were the main features of a press briefing by the US Assistant
Secretary of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labour held in
Serena Hotel. Large number of print and electronic media, both domestic and
foreign, attended the briefing.
Ms Kay Web Mayfield, Counsellor for Public Relations also attended the press
briefing. Spokesperson and Press Attaché of US Embassy Dr. Elizabeth Colton
acted as moderated and was also assisted by Ms Megan Ellis.
Kramer was in a relaxed mood. He looked optimistic, positive and answered
all questions put to him.
Explaining in details the US stance on Judges, Mr. Kramer said that the US
policy has been consistent on the issue of independence of judiciary,
stating it was "key to democratic development and vibrant civil society."
On the issue of the impeachment of the President, Mr. Kramer said it was an
issue to be left to the people of Pakistan and parliament. However, he
reminded the questioner that the US administration strongly opposed the
imposition of emergency and strongly urged to lift it, urged Musharraf to
doff the uniform and hold free and fair elections.
Mr. Kramer also noted , "Pakistan has a golden opportunity to move forward…
Pakistan is to determine its future."
Speaking on his 48-hour visit to Pakistan, Kramer described it as "intensive
and productive." He paid rich tribute to the US Ambassador to Pakistan Ms
Anne W. Patterson for her positive role in promoting the bilateral relations
and said, "She is one the best ambassadors we have had." Kramer went on to
state , "We have decided to help Pakistan in all areas including assistance
in economic, security, health and education to ensure Pak security and
stability."
He stated that he was pleased to meet large number of people including the
ministers of Information, Education, and Labour, Foreign Secretary, Election
Commissioner, parliamentarians, and representatives of women, religious
leaders, lawyers and media.
He noted that all people were candid and positive in their criticism and
said , " I found people are extremely friendly and generous… I am positively
impressed to note that the people were bold to speak up their mind."
Answering a question on the human aspect involved in the collateral damage
in the war against terror , Kramer stated "The US administration tries to
reduce the collateral damages to zero by accurately dealing with the threat
and addressing the problems."
Speaking on any follow-up to the State Department's Country Human Rights
Reports, Kramer disclosed that a new strategy would be devised to help
countries promote human rights and shortcomings including the issue of
disappearances not only in Pakistan but in other countries as well.
On his impression about the outcome of his visit , Kramer said that the felt
hopeful about the future of Pakistan and his visit would further promote
US-Pak bilateral relations.
Mr. David J. Kramer has a brilliant career. Earlier, he was Deputy Assistant
of State for the European and Eurasian Affairs. He also served in the
Department of State Office of Policy Planning and a Professional Member. He
was also Senior Advisor to Under Secretary of State for Global Affairs, and
was Executive Director of the US Advisor Commission on Public Diplomacy in
Washington.
Apprehension of war in the Middle East
Dr. Jassim Taqui
April 18, 2008: Doha ( Qatar) : There were mixed signals at Doha, Qatar.
On the one hand , one could see the elegance of development projects at Doha
and the tall multi-story buildings everywhere signaling the atmosphere of
peace. On the other, there were strong indications suggesting that war might
erupt in the Middle East.
However, with the convening of the Doha Forum, scholars, intellectuals and
think tank along with high level officials from all over the world genuinely
tried to forewarn of the danger of war and push forward the peace process in
the region.
Strategists at Doha Forum were worried. Back in February, the United States
started purchasing oil for its Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR). The SPR is
a reserve of crude oil stored in underground salt domes. It stood at 96.2
percent of capacity. Hence the keenness of US Department of Energy to
increase its oil capacity shows a clear US concern. This policy is being
pursued even at the record-high oil prices .Many thought that this US policy
is based on real fears of a disruption in oil supplies. Such scenario could
only happen in case of hostilities in the region.
Also in February, Imad Mughniyah, a leader of Hezbollah, was killed in a car
bomb explosion in Syria. Hezbollah publicly claimed the Israelis killed
Mughniyah, and therefore it was expected the Hezbollah would take revenge.
In March, the United States decided to dispatch the USS Cole, then under
Sixth Fleet command, to Lebanese coastal waters. Washington later replaced
it with two escorts from the Nassau (LHA-4) Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG),
reportedly maintaining a minor naval presence in the area. The exact mission
of the naval presence off the Levantine coast was not clear. The Sixth Fleet
has gone out of its way to park and maintain US warships off the Lebanese
coast.
With the situation becoming tense, the Israelis carried in the second week
of April an exercise called Turning Point 2. The Syrian took this exercise
seriously and deployed three divisions — two armored, one mechanized — to
the Lebanese-Syrian border in the Bekaa Valley. The deployment shows that
Damascus is fearing a possibility of war in the region. Even the present
anti-Syrian government in Lebanon felt the threat and started to evacuate
some civilians from the South. Hezbollah, on its part went on alert and
mobilized its forces. The Americans said nothing to try to calm the
situation. They just sat offshore on their ships.
It is noteworthy that Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak canceled a
scheduled visit to Germany in April . The cancellation came immediately
after the reports of the Syrian military redeployment were released.
Subsequently, the region witnessed the visit of US Vice President Dick
Cheney to Oman followed by US Secretary of Defense Robert Gates.
These and escalation of war in Iraq, Gaza and West Bank show that tensions
in the Middle East are moving well beyond the normal point.
In this grim scenario, Doha Forum was convened. The Forum was timely and
extremely useful. Virtually every speaker in the Forum counseled moderation,
reconciliation, compromise and peace.
One should give a special compliment to the leadership and the government of
Qatar especially to Emir of Qatar His Royal Highness Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani
and Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs His Excellency Hamad Bin
Jassim Al-Thani for hosting the Doha Forum on Democracy, Development and
Free Trade. The arrangements were perfect. The sovereign royals of Qatar
including Sheikha Mouza showered their guests with some extra-ordinary
generosity, sincerity and kindness one would rarely find.
The elite of the elites in the globe attended the Doha Forum in large number
including scholars, intellectuals and media-persons. Also in attendance were
high foreign officials especially the Turkish Prime Minister Mr. Recep
Tayyip Erdogan, President of the European Parliament Mr. Hans- Gert Hermann
Poettering, President UN General Assembly Srgjan Kerim, French Socialist
Party Presidential candidate Mr. Segolene Royal, Former Russian Minister of
Foreign Affairs Mr. Igor Ivanov, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Mr.
Baldwin Spencer, former Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Mohammed
Bin Issa, Fromer French Prime Minister Mr. Dominique De Villepin, Former US
Secretary Defense Mr. William Cohen, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of
Sri Lanka Hussein Bhaila, Japanese former Defence Minister Ms Yuriko Koike,
GCC Secretary General Mr. Abdulrahman Bin Hamad Al-Attiya, former French
Prime Minister Mr. Edith Cresson, Ms Tzipi Livni Israeli Vice Prime Minister
and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hungarian Former Prime Minister Mr. Victor
Orban, former British Foreign Secretary Sir Malcom Rifkind, Former Prime
Minister of Netherlands Mr. Ruud Lubbers, Arab Monetary Fund Chief Mr.
Jassim Al-Mannai, former Lord Mayor of City of London Sir Gavyn Arthur,
British Shadow Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. David Lidington, former
Sudanese Information Minister Professor Ali Shamou and many others.
It is reliably learnt that many Pakistani high officials were invited to
Doha Forum. They confirmed participation but regretted to attend the Doha
Forum at the last moment. In fact our invitees missed a golden opportunity.
Doha Forum is one of the best and most exciting opportunity to interact with
world leading scholars, intellectuals, think tanks, global decision makers
and global high ranking officials.
Public have taken over the media !
Dr. Jassim Taqui
April 17, 2008: Doha( Qatar) : The print media should realize the
tremendous change that the electronic media have brought about in
information. Everything seems to be falling. The world turned overhead
because public are controlling the media.
These were the main observation of the renowned journalist Lord Tim Bell in
the last session of Doha Forum on Democracy, Development and Free Trade.
Bell based his thesis on the basis of the research conducted by his Chime
Communications, which is UK’s biggest public relations group.
Bell was instrumental in Conservative election campaigns, including all the
successful campaigns of Margaret Thatcher. He is seen as one of the first of
the modern breed of 'spin doctors' and founder of the modern PR industry.
According to Bell, the consumers have taken over the media through the
internet. He maintained, “The information ministry in England disappeared a
long time ago. People are no longer interested in the government version or
even in private sector media that are geared to promote and propagate
special groups. Most people are interested in entertainment and reading
something about themselves and not in gloomy events and predictions .”
To Mr. Bell, the general public and consumers need positive news that given
them hope in this very complicated world.
In his short but witty presentation, Bell forcefully opposed controlling the
media, stating, “It is stupid indeed to control the media in this age of
internet. The people have taken over. The consumers are dictating terms.
They are changing the entire system and the perception of role of the
media.”
Bell was the center of attraction. He strongly opposed the fixing of the
media through set of rules, censorship or propaganda in this age of the
internet and innovation. He maintained that people have stopped seeing even
television with unlimited options given to them by the internet.
Speaking on the print media, Bell asked journalists to change their style
and be extremely innovative and creative if they want to survive because the
internet is there updating itself every second, giving variety of news from
different perspectives and in a complete atmosphere of freedom. He observed,
“You should not expect that people would be interested in reading in the
newspapers the news they have already heard in television or read and heard
in the internet.”
Other speakers who took part included David Lidingto, MP, Shadow Minister
for Foreign Affairs, House of Common, UK, David Foster, Al-Jazeera English,
Qatar, Wadah Khanfar, Director General of Al-Jazeera Network, Qatar,
Professor Ali Shomous, former Minister of Information and Culture, Sudan,
Dr. Mohammad Al-Rumaihi, Editorin Chief of Al-Arabi monthly , Kuwait,
Abdelbari Atwan, Chief Editor, Al-Quds Al-Arabi Arabic daily , London, and
Fatina who is a young Arab American. She edits Arabic monthly Al-Sahafa in
Ohio, United States that tries to build the Arab image in the United States.
US incentive to make Israel agree on a
Palestinian state
Dr. Jassim Taqui
April 16, 2008: Doha( Qatar): The United States is playing
behind-the-scene role in convincing Israel to establish a Palestinian state
by the end of 2008. In this regard, it is learnt from sources that sough
anonymity the Bush administration offered to integrate Israel into its
ballistic missile early-warning system to ensure that it would not be
attacked by Iran, Hezbollah or any other Arab country in the future or in
case of eruption of hostilities in the Middle East.
In this regard, Israeli Defense Ministry Director General Pinhas Buchris and
head of the Defense Ministry’s Diplomatic-Military Bureau, Maj. Gen. Amos
Gilad, both have been to Washington in the last month for talks at the
Pentagon. The move would represent the operation of a broad strategic
alignment between US efforts in ballistic missile defense (BMD) and its
relevance to Israeli security.
Israel is not centered on the potential ballistic flight path of a missile
launched from Iran at the population centers of the US eastern seaboard, but
its geographic proximity has two important implications. First , the United
States’ Poland-Czech Republic BMD system always was predicated on a
forward-deployed radar in a crisis, either a BMD-capable Aegis-equipped
warship or a mobile X-Band radar (now in the final stages of development in
conjunction with the Theater High Altitude Air Defense, or THAAD, system).
Israel offers reliable location. US -Israeli cooperation on BMD has been the
most longstanding international arrangement in the history of the US
programme. Additionally, the Green Pine radars of the Arrow system, which
was developed in conjunction with the Pentagon is operationally deployed in
Israel.
Second, as boost-phase intercept technologies mature, Israel may prove an
alternate location for basing them. A solid footing in Israel pushes the
foothold of US BMD far deeper into the Middle East than it currently
reaches.
Israel would gain the advantage of becoming tied not only into relevant US
radar feeds from BMD-capable warships in the Persian Gulf, but more
importantly into the Defence Support Program satellite constellation, which
continually monitors the surface of the Earth for the plume of a ballistic
missile launch. As Israel is far closer to Iran than the United States is to
any potential ballistic missile threat, maximizing its reaction time is even
more crucial for Israel. BMD cooperation previously was arranged during the
Gulf War in 1990-91 and the opening of Operation Iraq in 2003. But this
would institutionalize that cooperation. Most probably, the BMD cooperation
would create new optimizations and efficiencies in the Israeli system.
Livni steals the show in Doha Forum
Dr. Jassim Taqui
April 15, 2008: Doha ( Qatar): I appeal to Arab countries to take the
initiative for bringing lasting peace in the region by establishing open
contacts with Israel. These contacts would help improve the Palestinian
image in the Arab world and make possible the establishment of two sovereign
states: Israel and Palestine.
These were the main feature of a speech delivered by the Israeli Vice Prime
Minister and Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni at the 8th Doha Forum on
Democracy, Development and Free Trade.
Levni looked confident, friendly and answered some very hostile questions
put up to her by Qatari and Palestinians scholars. However, at one point US
Congressman Mr. William Delahunt and Congressman Joseph Kennedy came to her
rescue while Ambassador Kenton Keith of Meridian International Center,
Washington applauded her courage and Riz Khan of CNN, who acted as a
moderated, shielded her by cutting short questions and comments critical of
Israeli atrocities against unarmed Palestinian people and the double
standard policy pursued by Tel Aviv .
Interestingly, the former US Secretary of Defence Mr. William Cohen kept
silent throughout two-hours session of one of the most exciting interaction
between Livni and the Arabs. All questions were directed to Livni. All
cameras were focused on her. And she was responsive, smiling and cleverly
using her charm through body language and deliberate swinging her golden
hair to play with the audience at will !
However, Livni was not spared . Even a member of Knesset , Dr. Ahmad Al-Tayyibi,
representing the Arabs in Israel, blasted her presentation on human rights.
He accused Israel of being a racist state, which had three categories of
citizens: the white Jews, the none-white Jews and the Palestinians. However,
Riz Khan stopped him from further embarrassing Livni. But Livni answered
back, “ The fact that you are a member of the Knesset, an Arab and a Muslim,
criticizing me here in an Arab country shows that Israel is a real
democracy.” She stood up smiling and telling the journalists, “I would like
to give , through you, a message that I am willing to visit any Arab country
that extends invitation to me.”
Speaking mainly on the peace process , Livni said that permanent peace in
the Middle East was not only important for Israel and Palestine but for the
whole region.
In her speech and interaction with the scholars in the Doha Forum, Livni
highlighted the challenges of extremism, Israel's vision of a two-state
solution, media bias and her country's desire to have friendly relations
with the Arab world. "I accepted Qatar's invitation in a spirit of
friendship and mutual respect. We had maintained relations even during the
difficult times. My gesture is symbolic. I extend my hand to other Arab
countries too", she said.
Democracy is a value system and the basic right of a human being. Today, in
different parts of the world, extremists are entering the democratic process
via elections to push for their violent agenda, she said.
"How can we handle terrorism?", is a question to be posed by the whole
world. It is the full right of democracies to defend themselves from those
who wish to exploit the system in order to reach power and then abuse it to
enforce their radical ideology, she said.
"No true democracy on earth allows armed militia, or groups with racist or
violent agendas, to participate in elections. I call the international
community to adopt a universal set of standards for participation in
democratic elections. The choice should be made before elections take place
— terror or politics — but not political terrorism",
she said.
On Israel's initiative in the Middle East peace process, she said: "Israel
left the Gaza Strip, dismantled all settlements, and gave an opportunity for
Palestinian self rule, as a first step on the path towards Palestinian
state; and peace talks are taking place with the pragmatic Palestinians, who
recognize Israel's right to exist, who seek to realize their national rights
but choose the path of peace over terrorism. With such partners, who support
the two-sate solution, peace can be attained. The conflict is solvable." We
don't have a hidden agenda. Because we understand each other and want to
live side by side in peace and security", she said
Israel recognizes the fact that the Palestinian people have legitimate
rights and aspirations, she added. "We have no interest in ruling their
lives. But the people of Israel are entitled to those same rights. Just as a
Palestinian state is an Israeli interest Israeli security must be a
Palestinian interest.
"We can together promote mutual understanding by removing incitement and
hatred. This is the only way for bringing in a lasting peace in the region.
I want the Arab world to take the initiative, not just for Israel but for
Palestine and for the whole region", she said.
Livni used her visit to Qatar to urge Arab states to forge ties with Israel.
She also met with Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani and Prime
Minister Sheikh Hammad bin Jassim Al-Thani . During her stay in Doha, Livni
had her first public encounter with her Omani counterpart Yusuf bin Alawi
bin Abdullah. Speaking to the journalists, Livni said that her meeting with
Abdullah centered on the peace process and that she updated him on the
negotiations with the Palestinians. Levni also discussed with Abdullah the
Arab world's role in helping create the two independent states.
However, Bin Alawi Abdullah said that he disagreed with Israeli views on the
peace process and there was no question of immediately reopening an Israeli
trade office in Muscat shut nearly eight years ago.
Israeli Foreign Minister at Doha Forum
Dr. Jassim Taqui
April 14, 2008: Doha( Qatar) : While over 400 delegates from various
countries of the world attended Doha Summit for Democracy, Development and
Free Trade, the center of attraction, however, was on the participation of
the blond Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni. The charming looking young
Israeli Foreign minister was keen to have a hand-shaking photo session with
Prime Minister of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim Al-Thani to the delight of
journalists and photographers who crowded the event.
When the journalists asked Qatar's prime minister Hamad bin Jassim Al-Thani
on Livni’s visit, he insisted that he would raise Israel's blockade of Gaza
with Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni as she made a visit to the Gulf emirate.
There were some extraordinary security measures in the elegant Sheraton
Hotel, where Livni resides and the Forums convenes.
Jassim maintained that Qatar was very concerned over the deterioration of
the situation in Gaza and that one of the most important subject is to
negotiate with Livni calming the situation in Gaza in particular. The
Foreign Minister of
Qatar, looked self-confident and accommodative and never shy of inviting
Livni or even holding talks with top Israeli officials.
Ostensibly Jassim is trying a mediation between Israel and the Islamist
Hamas movement which controls the Israeli-blockaded Gaza Strip. This
mediation has become important following failure of all other regional and
international fora.
It is also speculated in the Doha Forum that Livni is expected to push for
the release of Shalit who was seized in a cross-border raid from the Gaza
Strip by Hamas members.
The Qatari premier, who also occupies the post of foreign minister,
reiterated that Qatar wanted to see a peaceful settlement of Iran's standoff
with the West over its nuclear programme.
"Iran is a neighbour and is important to us. Stability is also important in
the region and we are always keen on seeing any issue in the region resolved
peacefully, especially with regard to Iran," he said.
Gas-rich Qatar, which hosts the headquarters of US Central Command,
maintains relations with both Israel and its regional arch foe Iran.
The rare invitation extended to Livni to visit the Gulf sparked boycotts by
other participants invited to the forum. "I have seven cancellations because
of your arrival," the Qatari premier joked with Livni at the opening
session.
Qatar has established itself as a regional peace-broker in recent years.
Doha has repeatedly called on the United Nations for Israeli-Palestinian
peace, and in February it publicly offered to broker a cease-fire between
Israel and Hamas. Livni has met with Qatari leaders at the United Nations,
but this will be her first meeting with them in Qatar. The only other Arab
states Livni has visited are Egypt and Jordan, which have peace treaties
with Israel.
She is the highest-ranking Israeli official to visit Qatar since Shimon
Peres went to Doha for a television debate last year as deputy prime
minister. Peres currently serves as Israel's president.
Ben Meir asks Israel, Washington to accept the
Arab initiative
Dr. Jassim Taqui
April 14, 2008: Doha( Qatar): “As the current negotiation between Israel
and the Palestinian Authority have taken a precarious turn, it is more
critical than ever to reinvigorate the Arab Initiative and place it into the
forefront of the regional peace process,” stated Professor Alon Ben-Meir,
Professor of International Relations, Center for Global Affairs, New York
University in a thought provoking paper he read at the 8th Doha Forum on
Democracy, Development and Free Trade.
Ben Meir was critical of Israel , Washington and Western nations, who failed
to support the Arab Initiative and forewarned that Israeli bloody conflict
with Hamas will persist unless collective Arab will and weight , especially
Syria’s, is positively engaged in the diplomatic process.
Reviewing the previous peace initiatives, Meir proclaimed that all previous
peace plans- including the Road Map, Clinton/ Barak parameters, and the Oslo
accords had failed “because they lacked the comprehensiveness of the Arab
Initiative and excluded Syria from the peace process.”
Meir asked Israel and Washington to embrace the Arab Initiative in order to
quell the violence, exchange the territories captured in the 1967 war, find
a human solution for the Palestinian refugee problem and seek a mutually
acceptable solution to the future of Jerusalem all of which was mentioned in
the Arab Initiative floated in 2000 and reconfirmed by King Abdullah bin
Abdul Aziz Al- Saud of Saudi Arabia in the Arab summit held in March 2007.
Elaborating further, Meir said, “ The Arabs should follow the Egyptian and
Jordanian steps by meeting Israeli representatives to give a diplomatic
gesture that would result in a dramatic and much-needed shift in Israeli
public opinion.”
The collective Arab Initiative offers Arab collective recognition of Israel
if Tel Aviv agreed to establish a Palestinian state on all the lands Israel
occupied on 5th June , 1967. The plan also calls for Israeli withdrawal from
the Golan Heights and Shibá Farms and the right of the Palestinian people to
return or compensation as per UN Security Council Resolution 194.
Interestingly Mr. William Cohen, former US defence Secretary who also spoke
in the Doha Forum opted not to comment on the proposal floated by Professor
Alon Ben-Meir. However, Cohen asked the GCC to help the American forces in
Iraq by financial support, stating, “ We cannot bear the financial burden
anymore.”
While Cohen disagreed with the Bush administration policy of “coalition of
the willing.” Instead, Cohen proposed the formation of the “coalition of the
relevant,” which should be formed and financed jointly by the United States
and regional powers. Cohen was of the view, “ The prosperity in the GCC is
fragile without security, which is presently ensured in Iraq and the entire
GCC region by the United States. And if the US forces withdrew from Iraq,
the fallout of Sunni-Shiite violence would engulf the entire Gulf region.
Hence, GCC should support the US forces in Iraq financially to ensure its
security and prosperity.”
A constitutional package that
satisfies all
Comment
Dr Jassim Taqui
Deputy Editor (IR)
The coalition government has agreed on a constitutional package
(CP), which would satisfy all, disclosed a reliable source who is
very close to PPP. According to the CP, the tenure of the Chief
Justice would be reduced to three years.
This means the Chief Justice Mr. Iftikhar Mohammad Chauhdry would be
reinstated with full honour but would simultaneously retire since he
spent more than three years as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of
Pakistan.
The CP would ensure the complete independence of judiciary as per
the articles of the Charter of Democracy signed by PPP and PML(N) in
May 2006 at London.
Another article in the CP pertains to the supremacy of the
parliament. This would be done by cancelling article 58(2) b in the
constitution.
The CP would endorse National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO), which
was promulgated on the eve of the presidential poll. NRO grants an
amnesty to all those allegedly involved in the misuse of power and
other transgression between 1986 and 1999.
It means that the CP would confirm President Pervez Musharraf since
the NRO was promulgated to pave the way to a power-sharing deal
between the PPP and President Musharraf.
So far all cases against lawmakers from all political parties
including PPP and PML(N) registered between January 1, 1986 and
October 12, 1999 in which no conviction has been made have been
dropped by the courts. Consequently, Mr. Asif Ali Zardari, Mr. Nawaz
Sharif and Mr. Shahbaz Sharif are cleared. All the three leaders
have stated that they would contest by-election. This posture is an
implicit acceptance of the NRO and the legitimacy of the
Presidential elections.
We have seen that all cases instituted by the National
Accountability Bureau (NAB) inside or outside Pakistan during
1986-1999 period have been withdrawn.
According to NRO, the powers of NAB have been severely clipped. The
government has also stated that special committees on ethics to be
set up in the National and provincial assemblies to clear any move
by police to arrest lawmakers.
The MQM, a powerful ally of the President Musharraf, also stands to
benefit from NRO. Thousands of its workers are charged with serious
offences during the period also stand to be cleared.
President Musharraf also gains indirectly because NRO wins him new
supporters and rewards existing allies, thereby making his future
prospects more secure.
Bashar triumphs in Arab
Summit
Comment
Dr. Jassim Taqui
Deputy Editor (IR)
THE Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad has successfully conducted the
Arab summit conference ( March 29-30) despite intense foreign
pressure. His steadfastness and skilled diplomacy has ensured an
Arab consensus on all burning issues including Lebanon, Iraq and
occupied Palestine. Furthermore, Syrian presidency over the Arab
League in the year ahead raises the hope for effective handling of
the League’s affairs.
Assad’s apt handling of the Arab issues has foiled certain foreign
attempts to prevent holding of Arb summit or minimize its
importance.
While Syria continues to face tremendous threats , Assad showed that
Syria was not without options. He extended the invitation to the
Iranian Foreign Minister Mr. Mottaki timing it with the convening of
the summit to reaffirm the strategic ties between the two countries.
There is also the upcoming visit to Syria by Li Changchun, a senior
official of the Communist Party of China (CPC), which will
consolidate and promote the traditionally friendly bilateral
cooperation between the two countries.
Invited by the ruling Baath Arab Socialist Party, Li Changchun, a
member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the
CPC’s Central Committee, will visit Syria on April 1-3 to become the
highest-level CPC official to visit the country in nearly five
years.
While opposing any attempt to undermine the reunification of China,
the Syrian government firmly pursues the one-China policy and has no
official contacts with the Taiwan authorities.
China, for its part, supports Syria as an important party in the
Middle East peace process to play a significant role in regional
affairs as well as Syria’s legitimate right to restore its
sovereignty over the occupied Golan Heights.
Assad has also promoted relations with Moscow. Russian Foreign
Minister Sergei Lavrov visited Damascus, Ramallah, Tel Avid and
Jerusalem on March 19 while US Vice President Dick Cheney was
holding meetings the same week in Iraq, Israel, the Palestinian
territories, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Oman.
Russian involvement in the Middle East is a welcome development that
would bring about the collapse of a uniploar and an unjust global
system. Most certainly, Russia would revive its primacy in its
erstwhile spheres of influence that Moscow enjoyed during the Cold
War. The Russians have realized that non-involvement in the Middle
East emboldened the American policy of war and invasion of Iraq and
Afghanistan. Now, the US-led NATO is surrounding Russia by
contemplating of building military bases in Kosovo , Georgia and
Ukraine. This is in addition to the extremely unnecessary policy of
expanding NATO and US ballistic missile defense plans.
This time, the US-supported Israel would be fiercely opposed by
Syria. Damascus is fighting to preserve its sovereignty and
territorial integrity especially when the Zionist entity twice
attacked it last year, namely, the September 2007 Israeli air strike
and the February 2008 .
With Assad assuming the leadership of the Arabs for one complete
year, Israel, Washington and their allies are facing isolation and
humiliation among Arab , Islamic and international community. Hence
Assad is not only emerging as an Arab leader but also as a Muslim
leader who has rejected the US- Zionist dictation, one-sided and
unjust peace as well as their continued attempts to divide the Arabs
and the Muslims.
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