Pakistan supports Bonn process, strengthening of Karzai govt: says Ambassador Qazi

WASHINGTON, Nov 13 (APP)- Ambassador Ashraf Jehangir Qazi Wednesday said Pakistan supported the Bonn process and strengthening of the Karzai government.

The trilateral official commission supervising the Pak-Afghan border, was keeping a closer rapport, by holding regular contact and meetings.

The Pakistan Ambassador said this during his meeting with Senator Norm Coleman, Member, Foreign Relations Committee (R-Minnesota), with whom he discussed a number of bilateral and regional issues in the Pakistan-U.S. context.

Senator Coleman praised President General Pervez Musharraf for extending bold and categorical support to the United States, and Pakistan's firm and worthy cooperation in counter-terrorism, the Embassy sources told APP.

Ambassador Qazi briefed the U.S. Legislator on the anti-terorrism measures that Pakistan has taken and effectively dispelled the vicious impression being created by those interested that radical elements keep crossing Pak-Afghan border.

The Pakistan Ambassador also briefed Senator Norm Coleman on India- Pakistan relations. Mr. Qazi said though Pakistan had welcomed the proposals made by India pertaining to Confidence Building Measures (CMBs), these were "not sufficient", as in them, nothing has been said of the core issue of Kashmir, as has remained the main irritant in the normalization of Pak-India relations for over half a century.

He said Pakistan has time and again reiterated its call for resumption of meaningful bilateral dialogue, to help address pending issues requiring resolution, so as to promote cause of peace and normalcy in South Asia.

Ambassador Ashraf Jehangir Qazi appreciated the U.S. President's announcement of 3-billion dollar multi-year aid package to Pakistan, which would require Congressional approval. He sought support of the Senator in this regard; and Senator Coleman assured of his full support and cooperation.

Mr. Qazi said Pakistan-U.S. relations had expanded beyond anti- terrorism cooperation, and the multi-year aid package has added a new mutually-advantageous dimension to the already cordial bilateral relationship.

With regard to improvement of the national economy, he said Pakistan had made a remarkable headway- with economic growth attaining an upward trend achieving the set ambitious annual targets, as manifestly shown by the various favourable economic indicators. These attainments, he said have been duly commended and acknowledged by the International Financial Institutions (IFIs).

Washington, DC
November 13, 2003