Pakistan Hints at Reviewing Policy towards Israel

Home>>World

Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Wednesday, July 02, 2003

Pakistan Hints at Reviewing Policy towards Israel

DISCUSSION

CHINESE

SEND TO FRIEND

With the acceptance of the US-sponsored road map for the Middle East by both Israel and Palestine, Pakistan, which has refused to recognize the Jewish state for decades, now is considering the need to review its policy towards Israel.

A nationwide debate on the Israel issue began after President Pervez Musharraf said before and during his four-nation tour thatif the Middle East peace process moves ahead, then his country will have to decide whether it needs to review its policy vis--vis Israel. Musharraf on June 17 kicked off a two-week visit to Britain, the United States, Germany and France.

In view of the changing international scenario and the road mapto peace in the Middle East, Pakistan has to consider whether its Israel policy needs a review, Musharraf said in an interview with a TV channel a day before he began his visit.

Two days later, Musharraf said in London that many countries have extended recognition to Israel, but as far as Pakistan is concerned, the nation should debate it and then decide what sort of attitude should be adopted, adding his country could, in consultation with Arab and Muslim countries, think over the issue.

n June 29, in the United States, Musharraf again suggested a possible shift in Islamabad's policy towards Israel.

In an interview with a private TV channel, he further stressed the need for pragmatism and cautioned against becoming more "Palestinian than the Palestinians themselves."

Foreign Secretary Riaz Khokhar, who accompanied Musharraf on his visit to the United States, told a press conference on June 23in Washington that sooner or later, Pakistan will have to recognize Israel. "Although that possibility is far off," eventually "we will have to deal with it," Khokhar stated.

Analysts believe that Musharraf's remarks about Israel, a key US ally in the Middle East, are aimed at testing waters judging by the unusual timing. The Pakistani leader might be seeking to extract economic benefits from the United States and Europe or neutralize the potential threat from the improved India-Israel military ties.

Questions?Comments? Click here

India Awaiting Outcome of Bush-Musharraf Talks: Vajpayee

Musharraf, Bush to Discuss Resumption of Pak-India Peace Talks: Foreign Secretary

Musharraf's US Visit Successful: Pakistani FM

Guangdong's New Regulations on Punishing Party Cadres for Illegal Wildlife Eating ( 10 Messages)

Afterthought of A College Student Marrying without Permission ( 32 Messages)

From Economic Considerations to Happiness Pursuit
-A Survey of International Marriages in Shanghai ( 37 Messages)

Impending Personnel System Reform Rocks Peking University ( 5 Messages)

Volunteer Hotline for Homosexuals Emerges in China ( 2 Messages)

China Opposes US Report on Human Rights ( 7 Messages)