No cooperation amid finger-pointing: FM

KABUL (Agencies) - Pakistan Wednesday described as “disappointing� India’s claims that official agencies in Islamabad were involved in the Mumbai attacks, saying they would not help build cooperation amidst finger-pointing.
Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi who is accompanying President Asif Ali Zardari to Afghanistan told reporters here at a Press conference that “Indian politicians have fallen prey to Mumbai [attacks]�.
He said Pakistan condemns the Mumbai attacks, regardless of who were the perpetrators and has offered joint investigations.
“If we have to get to the bottom, we have to have cooperate and have to keep the communication channels open,� Qureshi said.
He said Pakistan has offered India to cooperate with India to bring the perpetrators to justice.
“How do you cooperate when you start pointing fingers? For God’s sake, if you want cooperation, then stop the accusations.�
He said he was disappointed by Indian Prime Minister’s statement as he considered him to be a visionary and a seasoned politician. He said Mumbai incident should not be allowed to overshadow relations between the two countries.
“Indians are not being far-sighted,� he said and added that earlier Indian authorities clearly stated that neither the government of Pakistan nor was the state of Pakistan was involved.
Qureshi when asked about the shifting of troops from Pakistan’s western to eastern borders, said: “Pakistan does not want war� and added that it desires a cooperative environment and good neighbourly relations.
“However if war is imposed, then Pakistan will fight back with full conviction ... no sane person wants war.�
The Foreign Minister said western border was very important for Pakistan.
“If we want stability in Pakistan the western border is very important,� he said and added: “We want to remain engaged in western border.� He said operations in FATA were very targeted and there was no question of moving away from the western border.
Qureshi said Pakistan wants to honour all its commitments as it is a responsible country and understands its national obligations.
He also ruled out any military-political disconnect, saying it is an old story.
“We have excellent working relationship and speak with one voice.�