June 11, 2002	Tuesday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 29, 1423

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ABU DHABI, June 10: Foreign Minister Abdul Sattar on Monday hoped that the new process of reversal that India had started would be maintained on the path of logic, and Delhi would withdraw the offensive army and air force formations from Pakistan’s borders.

Talking to APP, he said India had taken certain steps earlier which had led to border tensions, and reversal of which had been initiated today.

He was commenting on the announcement by India that it was lifting ban on overflights by Pakistani aircraft.

“We hope that the new process that India has started will be maintained on the path of logic and that India, in the first stance, will withdraw the offensive army and air force formations from Pakistan’s borders, and take them back to peacetime locations.”

Mr Sattar further hoped that India would embark upon a process of de-escalation of tension by addressing the problems that existed between the two countries, particularly the Kashmir issue, in accordance with principles of justice and international law.

“That will be a path leading to durable peace between the two countries,” he added.

Besides, talking to PTV, Mr Sattar welcomed India’s decision. He said: “If the Indian government wants to reconsider its decisions and returns to normalcy then it is welcome.”

He said Pakistan would positively respond to India’s decision of lifting of flight restrictions after it was formally communicated to Islamabad.—APP