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Pakistan top leadership condemn US Osama raid

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Islamabad, May 13, IRNA -- Pakistan's top political and military leadership, in their first ever strong reaction to the US May 2nd strike in Abbotabad to kill Osama bin Laden, on Thursday condemned the US unilateral action in violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty.

The Defence Committee of the Cabinet (DCC) decided to institute an inter-agency process to clearly define the parameters of Pakistan cooperation with the US in counter-terrorism, in accordance with Pakistan’s national interests and the aspirations of the people.

The Committee strongly rejected unilateralism and emphasized the paramount importance of respect for Pakistan’s sovereignty, the need for adopting a partnership approach that is based on mutual respect and mutual trust, a statement said.

The DCC comprehensively discussed the situation arising from the US Forces’ covert operation of 2nd May 2011 in the surroundings of Abbottabad and the killing of Osama bin Laden.

The DCC meeting, presided over Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, resolutely reaffirmed the determination of the Government to safeguard national honour and interests at all costs.

The meeting was attended by Gen. Khalid Shamim Wynne, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, Gen. Ashfaq Pervez Kayani, Chief of Army Staff, Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman, Ch. Pervez Ellahi, Senior Minister for Defence Production, Dr. Abdul Hafeez Sheikh, Minister for Finance, Senator A. Rehman Malik, Minister for Interior, and Secretary Foreign Affairs, Salman Bashir.

Prime Minister in his opening remarks said the 2nd May covert operation by the US Forces in Abbottabad has raised several serious questions which are being debated internationally and more specifically in the US and Pakistan.

'The Questions relating to our defence preparedness, he added, and the capability of our intelligence agencies; our possible response to a repeat of such action, as well as legal and moral issues pertaining to sovereignty and propriety, are not only being asked but are also a cause of anxiety and concern to the people of Pakistan'.

Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said it is imperative that all arms of the Government, that is both Civil and Military, with the full support of the Parliament and the people of Pakistan, work together to the best of their ability to safeguard Pakistan’s sovereignty, security and promoting Pakistan’s national interests.