16 September 2001	Sunday	27 Jamadi-us-Saani 1422

ISLAMABAD, Sept 15: Pakistan on Saturday announced that it would extend full cooperation to the international community in its fight against terrorism without involving its forces in any action beyond its geographical boundaries.

"Pakistan does not envisage taking part in any military operation outside its borders," Foreign Minister Abdul Sattar told a news conference held at the foreign office after a four-hour joint meeting of the National Security Council and federal cabinet.

"The NSC and the federal cabinet reached consensus on the policy of lending full support to the world community in combating international terrorism," Mr Sattar said.

The foreign minister for the first time officially confirmed that a list of proposals had been given by the United States to Pakistan. However, he did not disclose the specific measures which the US wanted Pakistan to take to facilitate it in carrying out an operation against the "prime suspect".

"We have a list of proposals for specific support and cooperation," he said, adding that Pakistan's response would be in line with its policy of opposition to terrorism.

He said the government was in the process of discussion with the US authorities with regard to specific proposals.

The foreign minister said the government was also consulting China, Saudi Arabia and other friendly countries.

As regards the threats hurled by the Taliban government that they would retaliate against the country from where US would launch attacks on its soil, he said the matter was being discussed with Kabul.

Mr Sattar said President Musharraf would take the nation into confidence through consultation with the leaders of public opinion, including politicians.

To a question whether Pakistan has closed down its borders with Afghanistan, he said: "We have taken certain precautionary measures in view of the tense situation. We have increased vigilance on borders."

When asked whether the fuel supplies to Kabul had been cut off as demanded by the United States, he said, the government had decided nine months ago to implement the UN sanctions imposed against the Taliban government. He said these sanctions had not debarred normal trade and fuel was not included in the sanctions measures.

Confirming reports that Islamabad International Airport had been closed down on Friday for several hours, he said, a plane carrying a special envoy from Saudi Arabia had arrived.

When an American journalist asked whether Pakistan had sought any economic assistance from the United States, Mr Sattar replied in the negative.

Responding to a question whether the US had provided them any evidence proving involvement of Osama bin Laden in the terrorist blitz, he said, "we have not asked for evidence." He said it was not for the government of Pakistan to pass a judgment on the issue. "It has to be decided by the international community."

Earlier a statement was read out by the foreign office, which referred to the resolution adopted by the UN General Assembly and the Security Council with regard to the terrorist attacks on the United States.

He said the NSC and the federal cabinet noted that the General Assembly in a resolution on Sept 12 had called for international cooperation to bring to justice the perpetrators, organisers and sponsors of the outrage and for urgent action to enhance international cooperation to prevent and eradicate acts of terrorism.

Mr Sattar also pointed out a unanimously-adopted resolution 1368 by the Security Council which too called on all members states to work together urgently to bring to justice the perpetrators, organisers and sponsors of these terrorist attacks, stressing that those responsible for supporting and harbouring the terrorists would be held accountable.

The joint meeting of the NSC and federal cabinet observed one minute's silence in memory of the victims of the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington on Sept 11.

Mr Sattar said in the course of the four-hour discussions, the meeting noted that the terrorist attacks had provoked shock and outrage throughout the world, including Pakistan. "The people of Pakistan share the universal grief and sorrow at the loss of thousands of innocent lives in the barbaric terrorist attacks. A number of Pakistanis also died in the catastrophe," he said.

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