Author: PTI
Publication: Hindustan Times
Date: September 14, 2001
Expressing doubts over the involvement
of renegade Saudi billionaire Osama Bin Laden in terrorist strikes
in US, Pakistan has said it would back American actions against
him only if they have UN mandate.
Islamabad is doubtful about bin
Laden's role in the strikes, Pakistan ambassador to Russia Ifthikhar
Murshed was on Friday quoted as saying by Vremya Novostyei.
"When we receive absolute proof
of the guilt of an individual or a group of individuals, Pakistan
would cent percent cooperate with the US, NATO, international
community, with every one to punish these people," he said.
Stating that Pakistan has always
opposed unilateral operations against someone, he said Islamabad
would back the US retributions only if they have UN mandate.
He said "so far the international
community has been closing eyes on Islamabad's flirting with Taliban
and is not paying any attention to the Pakistani logic: we support
Taliban, but we are not helping them".
In another interview to liberal
daily Izvestia, the ambassador said Pakistan has "very limited" influence
on Afghanistan's Taliban militia.