UN mission chief accuses Pakistan of trying to thwart peace processx
Sunday, 21 March 2010
From Fazle Rashid
NEW YORK, Mar 20: Kai Eide, the outgoing UN mission chief in Afghanistan accused Pakistan of derailing the proximity dialogue between Talebans and the world body by arresting Mullah Baradar and other influential leaders of the militant group. This Pakistani action is seen by Kai Eide as an attempt at thwarting peace process.
Pakistan is acting against the interest of peace in Afghanistan by "seeking to wrest control of contact between the international community and Taleban fighters that had began a year," the Norwegian diplomat was quoted as saying. He said Pakistan is not playing the role it should to promote political dialogue. The developments of the last few weeks have hardened the attitude of the Talebans rather than be conducive for drawing them to the conference table, he said.
Islamabad denied the allegation saying Mullah Baradar and other top ranking Taleban fighters were arrested in a joint Pak-US operation. Pakistan offered Olive to Talebans which was seen as saleout by many western powers including the US.
Kunwal Singh, a former Indian foreign secretary said "Pakistan wants to exercise tutelage over Afghanistan". The Indian plea for a greater role in Afghanistan has fallen into deaf ear with US not responding.
And in the Middle-East, Israel came under renewed attack by the international community for its new settlement policy in the occupied areas. The famous Middle East quartet made up of the US, EU, Russia and the UN condemned the controversial Israeli plan.
The Jewish state is building more than 1600 home in the occupied lands. The quartet called for speedy creation of a Palestinian state and end to provocative actions on both sides.
Israel's hawkish prime minister tried to soothe the anger in Washington and he will continue the effort during his forthcoming visit to the US when he will accidentally meet President Obama. President Obama was supposed to be visiting Indonesia and Australia during that time. The president called off his visit to be present in Washington during the crucial voting on health reforms set for tomorrow.
Netanyahu, however, had a telephonic conversation with secretary of state Hillary Clinton. Quartet wants the independent Palestinian state in place in 24 months. A poll conducted in Israel revealed 46 per cent of the respondents want a freeze in new settlements.
NEW YORK, Mar 20: Kai Eide, the outgoing UN mission chief in Afghanistan accused Pakistan of derailing the proximity dialogue between Talebans and the world body by arresting Mullah Baradar and other influential leaders of the militant group. This Pakistani action is seen by Kai Eide as an attempt at thwarting peace process.
Pakistan is acting against the interest of peace in Afghanistan by "seeking to wrest control of contact between the international community and Taleban fighters that had began a year," the Norwegian diplomat was quoted as saying. He said Pakistan is not playing the role it should to promote political dialogue. The developments of the last few weeks have hardened the attitude of the Talebans rather than be conducive for drawing them to the conference table, he said.
Islamabad denied the allegation saying Mullah Baradar and other top ranking Taleban fighters were arrested in a joint Pak-US operation. Pakistan offered Olive to Talebans which was seen as saleout by many western powers including the US.
Kunwal Singh, a former Indian foreign secretary said "Pakistan wants to exercise tutelage over Afghanistan". The Indian plea for a greater role in Afghanistan has fallen into deaf ear with US not responding.
And in the Middle-East, Israel came under renewed attack by the international community for its new settlement policy in the occupied areas. The famous Middle East quartet made up of the US, EU, Russia and the UN condemned the controversial Israeli plan.
The Jewish state is building more than 1600 home in the occupied lands. The quartet called for speedy creation of a Palestinian state and end to provocative actions on both sides.
Israel's hawkish prime minister tried to soothe the anger in Washington and he will continue the effort during his forthcoming visit to the US when he will accidentally meet President Obama. President Obama was supposed to be visiting Indonesia and Australia during that time. The president called off his visit to be present in Washington during the crucial voting on health reforms set for tomorrow.
Netanyahu, however, had a telephonic conversation with secretary of state Hillary Clinton. Quartet wants the independent Palestinian state in place in 24 months. A poll conducted in Israel revealed 46 per cent of the respondents want a freeze in new settlements.