Sarkozy, Merkel’s remarks against Pakistan

Pakistan summons envoys of France and Germany

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Monday summoned the envoys of France and Germany and conveyed its disappointment to both officials over the reported remarks of the French president and the German chancellor relating to Pakistan. “Today, the Foreign Office conveyed the government’s and the Pakistani public’s disappointment, separately, to the ambassador of France and the German charge d’ affaires at the reported remarks by President Nicolas Sarkozy and Chancellor Angela Merkel relating to Pakistan, following their meeting with the Indian PM in New Delhi and Berlin respectively,” the FO said. 

“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 FO added.

Responding to the demarche, the German CdA said the chancellor’s remarks had been misquoted. Chancellor Merkel had outlined general principles of Germany’s counter-terrorism policy, he said, adding that her remarks were not Pakistan specific. During a joint press conference in New Delhi last week, Sarkozy had urged Pakistan to combat extremists on its territory. Sarkozy had said it was “unacceptable” that terror networks could find refuge in Pakistan. APP