By IRNA,
Islamabad : Pakistan Monday summoned envoys of France and Germany and lodged protests over statements of leaders of the two countries, who accused of Pakistan of supporting terrorism.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel, on Saturday accused Pakistan of trying to solve political issues in the guise of terrorism, and stated that Pakistan will have to change its policies.
In a joint press conference with visiting Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Merkel said that it will be made clear to Pakistan that terror is not a means to an end when it comes to solving political problems.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy during his visit to India this month condemned Pakistan for allowing extremists “safe havens” in its tribal border areas as he paid tribute to the 166 victims of the 2008 Mumbai terrorist strikes that emanated from that country.
“Today, the Foreign Office conveyed the Government and the people of Pakistan’s disappointment separately to the Ambassador of France and the German Charge d’Affaires (CdA) in Islamabad at the reported remarks by President Nicolas Sarkozy and Chancellor Angela Merkel relating to Pakistan following their meeting with the Indian Prime Minister in New Delhi and Berlin, respectively,” the Foreign Ministry said.
A Foreign Ministry statement said that it was underlined that Pakistan enjoyed excellent relations with both France and Germany and that bilateral cooperation in all areas had lately been on the increase.
“Pakistan was, therefore, surprised and disappointed at the reported remarks made by the two leaders”.
The statement said that both France and Germany were well aware of the great sacrifices being rendered by Pakistan in the ongoing fight against terrorism. Therefore, incriminating Pakistan in the context of terrorism was unjustified and uncalled for.
Responding to the demarche, the German diplomat said that the Chancellor’s remarks had been misquoted. Chancellor Merkel had outlined general principles of Germany’s counterterrorism policy, the statement said. He assured that her remarks were not Pakistan specific, it added.