Pakistan not to compromise sovereignty in war on terror: Qureshi

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Monday informed the Senate that Pakistan will pursue the policy on terrorism in the larger national interest without compromising on its sovereignty.Speaking on a point of order, the foreign minister said US deputy secretary of state John Negroponte’s statement of pursuing bin Laden inside Pakistan without prior permission is his personal opinion.”He says that this is his personal opinion, as the ultimate decision rests with President Bush,” he said.Qureshi said that Negroponte appreciates Pakistan’s cooperation and admits that without it US can never win war on terrorism.”We are cooperating with the US in war on terror but we are not bound to follow the US directions. We will pursue this policy in the larger national interest. And there is no harm if it also serves the US interests,” Qureshi added.He made it clear that carrying out action inside Pakistan was the sole prerogative of Pakistani authorities.”No foreign power has the right for such an action inside Pakistan.”He referred to Tripartite Military Commission, which he added cooperates and shares intelligence information and chalks out strategy on action against terrorists.Foreign minister said it is decided under the commission that action inside Pakistan is to be carried out by Pakistani forces while across the border it will be carried out by Nato or Afghan forces.About the reports that foreign secretary Riaz Muhammad Khan was changed quietly and in haste, he said the reports were untrue.”He is a seasoned diplomat who served the interests of Pakistan for 40 years. He personally requested, citing personal reasons and said that he was also on contract and cannot continue,” Qureshi said.He said he tried to pursue Riaz Muhammad that the government was not in a hurry to replace him and he should continue.The government, Qureshi added, still wants to benefit from his vast experience and that is why he will personally meet Riaz Muhammad before the start of next round of talks with India.The appointment of new foreign secretary, he said, was appointed after consultations with Riaz Muhammad and requested him to continue in the office till the new foreign secretary joins.