Macedonia killings a diabolical plot: Pak

Pakistan has condemned the killing of seven Pakistani immigrants by Macedonian police two years ago in a staged anti-terrorism action, saying the act was a 8216;8216;heinous8217;8217; crime and a 8216;8216;diabolical plot8217;8217; aimed at impressing the US.

8216;8216;This crime is more shocking because these murders were pre-meditated and were committed to spruce up Macedonia8217;s image in the war against terrorism. It was a diabolical plot,8217;8217; Pakistan Foreign Ministry Spokesman Masood Khan said. 8216;8216;We commend Macedonia for making this revelation and initiating legal and judicial process,8217;8217; Khan said. Macedonia has acknowledged that the seven executed in March 2002 for allegedly ambushing a police patrol and plotting attacks on foreign embassies in Skopje, were innocent illegal immigrants and the killings were planned to promote the country as a player in the war against terrorism. Khan said Pakistani Ambassador in Turkey, Sher Afgan is in touch with authorities in Skopje.

8216;8216;We will make all efforts to seek justice for these victims,8217;8217; he added. Media reports quoted Information Minister Sheikh Rashid as saying that Pakistan would demand compensation for the 8216;8216;heinous crime8217;8217; and see that justice is done in the case.