Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Pakistan, Lebanon, Malaysia, Indonesia surprised by inclusion in Saudi coalition

Saudi Arabia’s inclusion of Pakistan, Lebanon, Malaysia and Indonesia in their 34-nation military alliance against terrorism sparked much confusion after officials said they were unaware of any such role prior to the announcement.

In a rare news conference in Riyadh on Tuesday Saudi Crown Prince and Defense Minister Mohammed bin Salman announced that it formed a coalition of 34 countries to fight terrorism including powerful Gulf states, Egypt and Turkey but excluding Iran.

According to Pakistan's Dawn news site, Pakistan's Foreign Secretary Aizaz Chaudhry said he was surprised to read that Saudi Arabia had named Pakistan as part of the alliance and that he has asked Pakistan's ambassador in Riyadh to get a clarification from Saudi Arabia on the matter.

"We came to know about it (the alliance) through news reports. We have asked our ambassador in Saudi Arabia to get details on it," said Chaudhry.

Another senior Pakistani official told The Express Tribune that while Pakistan has "been cooperating with Saudi Arabia on counter-terrorism efforts, I am not sure we are going to be part of any military alliance."

Pakistan has never joined any military alliance without UN backing, the official said, adding that Pakistan wouldn't send its troops to foreign countries even if "we become part of this new coalition."............http://www.i24news.tv/en/news/international/95845-151216-pakistan-lebanon-malaysia-surprised-by-their-inclusion-in-saudi-coalition

16/12/15
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