Pak.-Sri Lanka talks on reviving SAARC

By B. Muralidhar Reddy

ISLAMABAD, FEB. 17. The Sri Lankan Foreign Minister, Mr. Lakshman Kadirgamar, called on his Pakistani counterpart, Mr. Abdul Sattar, here today and held talks on matters of interest between the two countries.

An official statement said the two sides reviewed bilateral relations as well as regional and international affairs including the revival of the SAARC process which has been ``stalled because of India's opposition'' to the holding of meetings mandated by the SAARC Charter.

``Ways and means of increasing bilateral trade and enhancing economic cooperation was also discussed. To that end it was agreed to hold an early meeting of the Pakistan-Sri Lanka Joint Economic Commission. The sides will continue discussions on increased air services between the two countries. It was agreed that bilateral consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the two countries should be held at the level of Foreign Secretaries'', the statement said.

The Sri Lankan Minister, here on a three-day official visit, had called on the Pakistan Chief Executive, Gen. Pervez Musharraf, on Friday and appraised him of the efforts being made by Sri Lanka for revival of the SAARC process.

Mr. Kadirgamar was scheduled to address a joint press conference along with Mr. Sattar this evening but it was cancelled on the ground that the talks between the two leaders went on beyond the fixed time.

The Pakistan Foreign Ministry statement said Gen. Musharraf lauded the efforts of the Sri Lankan Minister for revival of the SAARC process ``stalled by India'' since November 1999 and assured him of support for his efforts.

Gen. Musharraf briefed the visiting dignitary on the efforts of the Pakistan Government for ``resumption of dialogue'' with India and resolution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with the relevant UN resolutions and `aspirations' of the Kashmiri people.

Air strikes condemned

In a separate statement the Pakistan Foreign office expressed deep concern at the U.S.-British air strikes on Iraqi installations near Baghdad and deplored the civilian causalities and loss of property.

``Pakistan calls for immediate halt to such air strikes which are in violation of international law and are not mandated by the U.N. Security Council. Pakistan calls for the preservation of Iraq's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity and for the alleviation of the sufferings of the Iraqi people through a review of the continuing sanctions'', the statement said.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Front Page
Previous : Protests engulf Valley