Pakistan donates US$ 3 million to Palestine, reiterates support
ISLAMABAD, Jun 7 (APP): Foreign Minister Khurshid M. Kasuri Wednesday while reiterating Pakistan's full support to the Palestinian cause and the need for its resolution offered a US three million donation to help mitigate the sufferings of the Palestinian people. Talking to Palestinian Foreign Minister Dr. Mahmoud Al Zahar, who is here on a two-day visit, Foreign Minister Kasuri hoped the new Palestine government would enter into a constructive dialogue with all stake-holders to move the peace process forward.
He however also emphasized the need for unity among the Palestinian ranks at this crucial juncture and pointed that only by standing together the aspirations of the Palestinian people can be realised. Kasuri said Pakistan continued to extend unstinting support to all recent efforts aimed at resolving the Palestinian issue including the relevant UN Resolutions, the Quartet Roadmap and the Abdullah Peace Plan adopted by the Arab League Summit on March 2002 in Beirut. He said Pakistan remains steadfast in its support to the Palestinian cause, the fundamental elements of which are complete withdrawal of Israel from the occupied Arab territories leading to the establishment of an independent and viable Palestinian state.
Pakistan has consistently extended diplomatic, political and moral support to the Palestinian people since the inception of the conflict, which will be maintained till its resolution, the Foreign Minister added. In the formal delegation level talks, Foreign Minister Kasuri expressed Pakistan's total solidarity with the people of Palestine in their quest for statehood. He said the government and people of Pakistan continue to follow the events in the region with concern. "We attach great importance to an early negotiated settlement of the conflict.
The leadership in Pakistan has repeatedly raised the Palestinian issue at the international fora, urging the international community to coordinate efforts to finalize the Middle East Peace Process," Foreign Minister said. Dr. Mahmoud Al Zahar comprehensively briefed Foreign Minister Kasuri and the Pakistani side on the current economic hardships being faced by the Palestinian people as a result of the withholding of international financial assistance. Foreign Minister Kasuri announced a donation of $ 3 million by the Government of Pakistan to mitigate the plight of the Palestinian people. Dr. Mahmoud Al Zahar expressed his gratitude for this timely and friendly gesture.
Country: Pakistan
Subject: Assistance, Peace process
Publication Date: 07/06/2006