December 1, 2001	Saturday	Ramazan 15, 1422

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ISLAMABAD, Nov 30: Pakistan and Iran said on Friday that they had come closer on the Afghan issue after the removal of the Taliban, and agreed to help establish a broad-based, multi-ethnic government as being processed under the auspices of the United Nations.

At a joint news conference, Foreign Minister Abdul Sattar and his Iranian counterpart Kamal Kharrazi, however, reacted differently on the question of maintaining a multi-national force in Afghanistan.

Mr Sattar declared that Pakistan had no intention to join any such force but it would not be opposed to the idea if the Afghan people approved of it.

Condemning the Qala-i-Jangi killing of prisoners of war, the Iranian minister said it was the most unfortunate incident and a gross violation of Geneva Conventions. He said, “we also condemn the US bombing to quell the so-called jail riots.”

Asked about his country’s stance on US threats of turning its war on other Muslim states like Syria, Iraq and Sudan, Mr Kharrazi said, “this is not acceptable and no country could be allowed to undertake such an adventure without an excuse as it would create unending chaos all over.”

In reply to a question about Prof Burhanuddin Rabbani’s wish to visit Islamabad for negotiations, Mr Sattar said: “President Rabbani made a statement about such a visit, but we have received many such messages from different Afghan dignitaries.”

He made it clear that Pakistan would consider recognition to the authority on behalf of Afghanistan, only after the success of the Bonn process.

Dr Kharrazi said the role of Prof Rabbani would be determined by the Afghan people themselves but if he visited Islamabad it would be good for revival of relations.

He said they had decided to work together for the reconstruction of Afghanistan and for this purpose a joint committee would be constituted to work in collaboration with the UNDP and other agencies.

About Iran’s role in coalition’s war on terrorism, Dr Kharrazi said: “Iran has not played any direct role but it has closed its borders with Afghanistan and denied entry of anyone into Afghanistan.

“We are entering into a new era of relationship with Pakistan by enhancing our political, cultural and trade relations at the same time.”

In reply to a question whether his country would arrest and hand over Osama bin Laden to the US if he entered Iran, Dr Kharrazi said: “We will not allow him even to set his foot on our soil, hence there is no question of his handing over to any body”.

In reply to a question about his talks with President Musharraf, the Iranian minister said, “we have narrowed down our differences in our talks as we see that Pakistan has changed its policy and agreed to play a collective role in reconstruction of Afghanistan.”

Intervening, Mr Sattar said, “the role of Pakistan with regard to the Taliban has been exaggerated as far as its influence with the militia was concerned.”

He said the Taliban had rejected Pakistan advice on the Bamyan statue issue and then they refused to agree when a Pakistan delegation visited Kandahar and Kabul to pursue them to take a sensible path on the UN resolutions.