Iran Minister Meets Pakistan Military Chief amid Yemen Dilemma

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif met Pakistan's military chief, as the Pakistan government wrestled with a dilemma over how to respond to a request from Saudi Arabia for Pakistani troops to fight in Yemen.

Zarif was winding up a two-day trip during which he was expected to urge Pakistan to reject the Saudi request for troops, planes and naval support for a Saudi-led coalition aggression on Yemen.

Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif had publicly remained silent on the request. Army officials said they would defer to the civilian government.

Saudi Arabia's request puts Pakistan in a tight spot. The nuclear-armed nation of 180 million people had strong economic and military ties to Saudi Arabia but also a long and porous border with Iran in a mineral-rich region.

A military statement on the meeting between Zarif and Sharif emphasized border difficulties and possible defense cooperation.

"Focus of the discussion remained on regional security including the evolving situation in the Middle East, Pak-Iran border management and defense and security cooperation between both the countries," it said.

"The unity and integrity of Muslim Ummah [community] and greater harmony amongst the Muslims was emphasized."

Pakistan's parliament had been debating the Saudi request to join the coalition this week. Legislators emphasized brotherly ties with Saudi Arabia but no one spoke in favor of going into Yemen.

"The consensus that is emerging in parliament was that Pakistan should not participate in any military offensive. We should try to mediate, influence and facilitate peaceful dialogue," Sartaj Aziz, the prime minister's adviser on security and foreign affairs said.

Zarif had recommended the international community impose a cease-fire, send humanitarian aid, support a dialogue among Yemenis and back the formation of a broad-based government.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team