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October 11, 2001
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Thursday
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Rajab 23, 1422
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Powell to discuss Kashmir, says FO
By Our Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD, Oct 10: The Kashmir issue and the need for initiation of purposeful and result oriented dialogue between Pakistan and India would constitute an important part of deliberations with the United States Secretary of State Colin Powell when he visits Pakistan, a Foreign Office spokesman said on Monday.
The focus of discussion with Mr Powell would certainly remain on the developments in the wake of terrorist attacks of September 11, but the whole range of bilateral and regional issues would be discussed, the spokesman, Mr Aziz Khan, told newsmen here at a briefing.
Mr Khan said the bilateral relations in economic, commercial, trade and other fields would also be discussed with Mr Powell.
He pointed out that commerce minister had recently visited the US and the finance minister was currently there.
He said that the dates of Mr Powell visit to Islamabad have not been finalised as yet.
On the reports of King Zahir Shah’s visit to Pakistan, he said, the former king has reportedly expressed the desire of visiting Pakistan.
“We welcome the visit but dates of the visit have not been communicated,” he added.
Regarding the visit of Afghan Ambassador Mullah Abdul Zaeef to the Foreign Office earlier on Wednesday morning, he said they had constant discussion with the Taliban. “He visits Foreign Office quite frequently,” he said.
The presence of Taliban ambassador in Islamabad, he said, provides an opportunity to Pakistan and the rest of the world to have a constant touch with Kabul.
The foreign office spokesman once again denied presence of United States troops on Pakistani soil. When asked whether some airbases have been offered to the United States, he said, “so far no air base has been given.”
Mr Khan reiterated that all those Afghan refugees indulging in protest demonstrations and domestic politics would be repatriated to Afghanistan.
He did not confirm reports about exchange of fire between the Taliban and Pakistan militia.
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