Pakistani PM to make statement on Osama

Xinhua, May 8, 2011

Pakistani Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani will make a policy statement on Monday on the U. S. special task force operation in the northwestern garrison city of Abbottabad, which led to the killing of Osama bin Laden early, according to a statement released the PM office on Sunday.

The government is under harsh criticism by the opposition groups and sections of society to tell the nation about the U.S. operation and the presence of the most wanted man in Pakistan.

"The Prime Minister will take the nation into confidence through the platform of the Parliament on Monday 9th May and looks forward to a full debate on the matter on the floor of the House," said the statement.

The Prime Minister on Saturday held extensive consultations with the President, the Defence Minister, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Chief of the Army Staff on the situation arising from the Abbottabad operation resulting in the death of Osama Bin Laden, it said, adding that "the situation was comprehensively reviewed in the perspective of Pakistan's national security and foreign policy".

The Prime Minister emphasized during these consultations that the sole criterion for formulating our stance is safeguarding of Pakistan's supreme national interests, by all means, by all state institutions, in accordance with the aspirations of the people of Pakistan, who above all value their dignity and honor, the statement said.