ISLAMABAD,
September 8 (IslamOnline.net & News Agencies) - As Israeli Prime
Minister Ariel Sharon began his maiden visit to India Monday, September
8, Pakistan condemned what it termed as “Indo-Israel axis against
Muslims” and called upon the two countries to avoid such
collaboration.
Pakistani
foreign Office dubbed these supposed agreements and spirit behind these
as “nexus directed against Muslims” and said Pakistan was most
concerned at this.
“If
this axis between India and Israel was directed against Muslims, we are
most concerned about it” Foreign Office spokesman, Masood Khan told a
news briefing.
He
said Pakistan was aware of the dangerous consequences of this
Indo-Israel collaboration and would like this to be avoided.
India
and Israel are likely to sign a “defense agreement” during a
four-day state visit by Sharon, who is heading a 150-member delegation
that includes major arms dealers.
Both
the countries are likely to strike various other agreements aiming to
cooperate with each other in suppressing freedom movements both faced by
India and Israel.
Indian
National Security Advisor Barjesh Mishra had proposed in a speech at
Washington last month that U.S., Israel and India should form an
alliance to fight what he said was growing international militancy. This
supposed alliance was seen by Pakistan as targeting Muslims all over the
globe.
Pakistan
believes that the visit of the Israeli Premier to India and the proposed
agreements between the two countries were aimed to give a practical
shape to the same Indian desire.
Presence
of U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Christina Rocca in New Delhi while
Aerial Sharon would also be there, adds to the authenticity of what
Pakistani government has been claiming.
But
the foreign office spokesman said visit of the U.S. diplomat to India at
a time when the Israeli Prime Minister was there, was a coincidence.
In
the face of resistance and opposition from Muslims living in India and
other human rights groups, the Indian government has increased security
for their Israeli guests.
Sharon
is due to be accorded a ceremonial welcome Tuesday before talks with
senior Indian leaders including Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee.
But
he is expected by public protests and “go back home” slogans, as
Indian Muslims and civil rights groups have planned demonstration
against the visit of the Israeli premier for his involvement in
atrocities in Palestine.
The
Israeli leader, will visit India’s commercial capital Bombay on
Thursday.
India
and Israel established full diplomatic relations in 1992 and have since
seen close cooperation, particularly in the defense sector.
