Cameron 'does not regret Pakistan comments

[Cityboy]

Cameron 'does not regret Pakistan comments
'By Nigel Morris and Omar Waraich in IslamabadMonday,
2 August 2010
David Cameron will try to assuage Pakistani fury over remarks linking the country with terrorism after its president arrives for a visit to Britain tomorrow.The Prime Minister will not apologise for accusing elements within the Pakistani state of "looking both ways" on terrorism, but will absolve its government of any blame for promoting extremism and violence.Related articlesLeading article: Cameron must clear the air with our ally.He is keen to lower the diplomatic temperature after his comments led to his effigy being burned in the streets of Islamabad and a boycott by Pakistani intelligence officials of a counter-terrorism summit in Britain.President Asif Ali Zardari has defied domestic pressure to cancel his five-day visit to Britain in which he will discuss issues ranging from export tariffs to terrorism. He is expected to make clear his displeasure over his host's remarks, particularly as they were delivered by Mr Cameron during a visit to its neighbour and arch-rival, India.The Prime Minister's aides said he did not regret his comments, despite the fury they provoked in Islamabad, and was determined to build on a history of good relations with Pakistan.The two leaders are due to meet at Chequers on Friday.Khalid Mahmood, a Labour MP who was born in Kashmir, said: "A lot of people of Pakistani origin are hugely enflamed by this. They feel the country of their origin has been criticised for no real reason other than point-scoring by David Cameron. If you'll excuse the pun, all he's trying to do is curry favour with the Indians."Writing in The Independent on Sunday, the former foreign secretary, David Miliband, compared Mr Cameron to "a cuttlefish squirting out ink", creating a foreign policy mess in his desire to create a splash with his comments about Pakistan.The backlash against Mr Cameron in Pakistan gathered pace yesterday as Nawaz Sharif, the leader of the opposition and twice former prime minister, joined the protests. "It's inappropriate and an insult to the sentiments of the Pakistani people," he said.Altaf Hussain, the London-based leader of Mr Zardari's partners in the ruling coalition, the MQM, urged the Pakistani president to stay at home.The politicians' demands for a tougher stance come on the heels of the powerful military establishment's decision to cancel a scheduled visit to London by its top spy chief, Lt-Gen Ahmed Shuja Pasha.The Pakistan People's Party, led by Mr Zardari, finds itself increasingly isolated as political opponents accuse it of being too closely aligned with the West. But Pakistani analysts say the furore has not led to a breakdown in diplomatic relations and normal relations are likely to resume over time.Wajid Shamsul Hasan, Pakistan's High Commissioner to Britain, robustly defended the decision to continue with the president's visit. "You don't give up talking just because you're upset," he said. "You discuss these matters. If we find that the British Prime Minister is amenable, then fine. If not, then we can consider other options."Mr Hasan said that the Prime Minister's contentious comments would be discussed during the two leaders' meeting. "Cameron did plain talking, so the president will do plain talking."Other matters up for discussion, Mr Hasan added, would include "strategic dialogue", bilateral trade talks, and the Friends of Democratic Pakistan, the grouping of nations formed to bolster Pakistan's democracy and its social and economic development.England v Pakistan: review-system blunders leave visitors in spot of bother - Telegraph

 

[Kompromat]

His grandfather William L did not regret the Mass Killings of Indians , shooting Indians for fun and hanging the POW's during the Colonial period specially during the war in 1857 - how can we expect his Grandson to regret these comments.

 

[NWO]

Hmmm.... the article did make a good point saying that just because your upset doesn't mean you should cut off all diplomatic relations.

Zardari should go to UK, but hopefully he'll reject any future aid offered by the UK. Which will not happen.

 

[AZADPAKISTAN2009]

Should call back political relation officers from UK , no need to have embassy in such lousy country

Yeah and hope the Hag qeen dies

All the royals enjoy interest over gold, jewls and wealth stolen from Subcontinent

I wana see them work for living like every one else then will see if they have time to play horse polo

 

[Guynextdoor]

His grandfather William L did not regret the Mass Killings of Indians , shooting Indians for fun and hanging the POW's during the Colonial period specially during the war in 1857 - how can we expect his Grandson to regret these comments.

N u don't see the difference between his grandfather n him?

 

[gogbot]

Finally a Leader with some backbone and integrity.

I did not think much of this David Cameron.
But if he can say something so blunt and yet , maintain a firm stand after criticism.

I will be one to listen to what he has to say more often.

 

[Dash]

If pak friends are reacting like this, then whats teh reaction of British pakstanis??

 

[True_Pakistan_Zindabad]

Coming here to rub salt in our wounds is perfectly admissible. Consider the buffet "on the house". Enjoy Indians.

 

[karan.1970]

Coming here to rub salt in our wounds is perfectly admissible. Consider the buffet "on the house". Enjoy Indians.

Dont take it personally. Its a diplomatic ping pong India and Pakistan have indulged in for decades. Sometimes we get our way, some times you do..

 

[DGMO]

If pak friends are reacting like this, then whats teh reaction of British pakstanis??

Quite mild. Anger yes, but that's restricted to our homes, we're not out on the streets.

I think it comes down to interpretation of what Cameron said. If he's saying that there are terrorist groups who have operated (and can) outside of Pakistan, targeting third countries, then there is some truth to that.

If he's saying that the Govt is behind this terror, then that's a different situation altogether (and I don't think he is).

However, on both points, I think it's the nature and timing that's really angered us. It lacked sensitivity. Do consider the sum of what is p1ssing us off:

1) He gave the dressing down in very strong diplomatic language, and that in public

2) He said it in India of all places

3) It appeared to pander to his hosts, and to sign business contracts, he went after us.

4) We were a nation in grief, it was said on the day of our largest ever plane crash, and with floods causing havoc

5) There was no public acknowledgement of our suffering at the hands of terrorism (I think this hurts the most)​

Put simply, he could've said it in private, which he should've. So it's a combination of the above that's lead to the outrage we're witnessing today.

 

[karan.1970]

Quite mild. Anger yes, but that's restricted to our homes, we're not out on the streets.

I think it comes down to interpretation of what Cameron said. If he's saying that there are terrorist groups who have operated (and can) outside of Pakistan, targeting third countries, then there is some truth to that.

If he's saying that the Govt is behind this terror, then that's a different situation altogether (and I don't think he is).

I think there has been clarifications that he said the 1st option with a addendum of Pakistan cant be allowed to ignore and not handle these groups ..

 

[DGMO]

I think there has been clarifications that he said the 1st option with a addendum of Pakistan cant be allowed to ignore and not handle these groups ..

Yes, totally agree that's what's been said. And I say I agree with him on that point.

 

[karan.1970]

Yes, totally agree that's what's been said. And I say I agree with him on that point.

And you are right. It was not the message that generated the storm , but the delivery mechanism.

 

[desiman]

There is no need to regret, what he said was right and I respect him for standing up like this. Its time the world agrees to what India has been saying for so long.

 

[JK!]

A man is standing by his convictions. Can't fault him for that really.

It doesn't matter where he said it that is of no relevance whatsoever the words would still have been the same in London.

Be grateful that a politician is straight talking- you know where you stand with him.