Palestine supports Kashmiris' right to self determination

Islamabad, Jun 8 (UNI) Palestinian Foreign Minister Mahmud Al-Zahar, today said his country was looking for the resolution of Kashmir issue through peaceful means.

''The Kashmiris should be given the right to live peacefully according to their wishes and aspirations,'' Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) quoted Mr Mahmud as saying to the reporters after meeting with the Foreign Relations Committee of Senate here at Parliament House.

He said present government of Hamas in Palestine was established after winning fair, free and impartial process of elections and got 79 seats in the house of 132.

Dr Mahmud also thanked the Pakistan government for providing financial assistance and continuation of training facilities to the Palestinian officials in different fields including defence and administration.

The Palestinian Foreign Minister said the visit of the delegation to Pakistan was very useful as Pakistan and Palestine have very close and cordial relations and always supported each other on various international issues.

He expressed the hope that with the support from Pakistan and other friendly countries, the new democratically elected government of Hamas in the Palestine would be able to overcome the financial crisis being faced following the restrictions imposed by United States.

He said the security in Palestine has been strengthened and further added the new government of Hamas has been extending full cooperation to Palestine President Mahmud Abbas to strengthen the government and to get an independent state of Palestine.

Chairman Senate Foreign Relations Committee Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed welcoming the delegation said Pakistan always provided moral and diplomatic support to Palestine for their rights.

He said Palestine and Kashmir are facing the similar problem of foreign occupation and oppression.

Appreciating the process of fair, free and transparent elections in Palestine that resulted in the victory of Hamas, Senator Mushahid said world should extend full support and cooperation to the democratically elected government of Palestine and should avoid double standard.

Expressing solidarity with Hamas government, Mr Mushahid said, Pakistan would continue its support to the Palestine government.

He said Pakistan has consistent policy towards Palestine and one of the first few countries to extend support and recognise the government of Palestine Authority.

UNI XC AD HT2100