December 29, 2002	Sunday	Shawwal 24, 1423

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ISLAMABAD, Dec 28: Pakistan has conveyed to the United States its “deep sense of disappointment and concern” over the inclusion of Pakistani nationals in the National Security Entry-Exit Registration System and urged it to review the decision and take Pakistan off the list.

According to a foreign office statement, the concern was conveyed to the US ambassador in Pakistan Nancy Powell, who called on the foreign minister here on Saturday.

Foreign Minister Khurshid Mehmood Kasuri during the meeting conveyed to the ambassador, “Pakistan’s deep sense of disappointment and concern over the inclusion of Pakistani nationals in the National Security Entry-Exit Registration System (NSEERS).”

The foreign minister underlined that the matter was of immediate concern to the Government of Pakistan.

It was conveyed to the ambassador that while the government of Pakistan was aware of the US concerns for its safety and security in the aftermath of Sept 11 tragedy, the new measures were “excessive and unnecessary as far as Pakistani nationals were concerned.”

The inclusion of Pakistani nationals in the NSEERS list had created unprecedented difficulties for those living in and visiting the United States.

It was emphasised that the US should accordingly review its decision and take Pakistan off the list.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have been included in the second phase of the special registration of foreigners which will be carried out from Jan 13 to Feb 21.—APP