January 29, 2003	Wednesday	Ziqa’ad 25,1423

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KUWAIT CITY, Jan 28: Prime Minister Zafarullah Jamali urged Iraq on Tuesday to comply with all relevant UN Security Council resolutions so that war in the Middle East could be avoided.

Speaking at a press conference here, the prime minister said that conflict in this region should be averted, as it may have devastating consequences for its countries and people.

Jamali said that security and stability were very much important for the region and if a war broke out, it would be “disastrous”.

“It is extremely important to maintain and preserve peace, stability and security regionally and internationally.”

Jamali, who arrived here on Monday on an official visit, expressed the hope that Iraq would fully comply with all UN Security Council resolutions and emphasized the importance of using diplomatic means to avert war. He said that success of these efforts depended on the flexibility of the parties concerned.

“Pakistan supports the territorial integrity, stability and independence of all states in the region,” he added.

The prime minister also called on Iraq to settle the long-standing issue of Kuwaiti PoWs and said his government believed in a quick humanitarian solution to the issue.

The prime minister said Kuwait had expressed concern on current state of tension in South Asia and hoped India would respond positively to Pakistan’s efforts of talks to resolve outstanding problems between the two countries.

He emphasized that dialogue alone could lead to a negotiated and peaceful settlement of Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

BILATERAL TIES: The prime minister said that both Pakistan and Kuwait enjoyed good bilateral relations and both the countries shared common views on major regional and international issues.

He said both the countries would hold a meeting in Islamabad in near future to discuss matters of mutual interest with focus on strengthening bilateral relations, economic cooperation and investment prospects in Pakistan.

Jamali also invited Kuwaiti businessmen to explore the Pakistani markets, adding that his government would provide conducive environment to the Kuwaiti investors.

WAR ON TERRORISM: On the issue of terrorism, Jamali said that both Pakistan and Kuwait were victims of terrorism, and both countries agreed on the importance of fighting all forms of terrorism.

Earlier, Jamali called on Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Jabar Al Ahmad Al Sabah and held talks with him on matters of mutual interest.

The prime minister also extended invitation to Kuwait First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah, which he accepted.

SEND-OFF: : Prime Minister Zafarullah Khan Jamali was given a ceremonial send-off when he left Kuwait for Doha on Tuesday on conclusion of his two-day visit, adds PPI.

Arrival in Doha: Page 16