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I'm sorry to leave: Qazi

New Delhi May 18. The Pakistan High Commissioner to India, Ashraf Jehangir Qazi, today regretted India's decision asking him to leave the country, but said it fell within New Delhi's sovereign right. He told PTI ``I am sorry to leave India. I have been here for five years and made many friends.''

Later, Mr. Qazi told Pakistan Television (PTV) that his country wanted to keep the channels of communication with India open for the possibility of a breakthrough in addressing bilateral issues. ``But today's decision by the Indian Government will have a negative impact on bilateral relations,'' he said. He hoped that India would not take ``any other negative steps'' as they would prove detrimental to peace and stability in the region. ``Despite difficulties in the relationship, it has been a challenging and rewarding assignment,'' he said.

India has not been dealing with Mr. Qazi since January after it recalled its High Commissioner to Islamabad and downgraded diplomatic relations with Pakistan.

— PTI, UNI

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