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We're not in missile race: Pak.
By B. Muralidhar Reddy
ISLAMABAD, JAN. 26. While renewing its offer for a dialogue with India, Pakistan today said that it was not in the race with India to test missiles and would not go for a similar test like the Agni variant merely as a reaction.
The Pakistan Foreign Minister, Abdul Sattar, told CNN that Islamabad had deferred testing of Shaheen in view of the ``provocative implications'' at the current juncture.
Addressing a news conference here, the Press Secretary to the Pakistan President, Rashid Quereshi, said: ``We respond to our technological needs and reserve the right to test when we feel there is a need. Whenever any sort of tests are required these tests will take place''.
The Pakistan Foreign Office spokesman, Aziz Ahmed Khan, who was present at the news conference said Pakistan had always been in favour of peace and de-escalation of tension in the region. ``Our offer for dialogue still holds'', he said in response to a question on the Agni missile test.
Mr. Khan said Pakistan was not going to be intimidated by any threatening postures from across the border and that its armed forces and people had the capability to defend themselves.
Mr. Ahmed Khan claimed that Pakistan's position had been vindicated as the world capitals had vocally asked for military de-escalation while supporting its stand for peace and a return to dialogue.
Maj. Gen. Quereshi said, ``there is a perception in the world of complete rejection of India's stand on the Kolkata incident. The Indian charges against Pakistan have been completely rejected. There is total frustration in the Indian camp''.
Asked whether the test-firing of the Agni variant by New Delhi on Friday was a message to Pakistan, Mr. Khan replied, ``we have been giving our own message of peace and a call for de- escalation and peaceful resolve to all problems. But should there be a threat, we can take care of it. The international community has already given their reaction to whatever message that was sent (test fire)''.
Asked about the talks between the Deputy Prime Minister of Canada, John Manley, and Mr. Sattar on Friday, the spokesman said that the main aspect of these talks was related to the Pakistan President, Pervez Musharraf's statement of January 12 which has had a positive reaction in India. ``They are looking at it in positive light. Other aspects of the talks, I cannot say anything now''.
The second meeting between Mr. Sattar and Mr. Manley evoked a great deal of interest in the diplomatic circles. Mr. Manley had returned back to Pakistan after a visit to India and had a long meeting with the Pakistan Foreign Minister.
On Friday, Mr. Sattar had sent out a message to New Delhi when he told the media that Pakistan had taken serious note of the Canadian Deputy Prime Minister's impressions and ideas after his visit to India.
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