January 31, 2003	Friday	Ziqa’ad 27, 1423

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BAHRAIN, Jan 30: Pakistan and Bahrain agreed on Thursday to make every possible effort to avoid war on Iraq.

Prime Minister Zafarullah Jamali, on the conclusion of his visit to Bahrain, said: “On the crisis in Iraq, we agreed that every effort required to be made to avoid war, which could only spell devastation and misery for the people of that country and destabilize the region,” would be taken.

The prime minister said: “We felt that maintenance of regional peace was necessary and every effort should be made to resolve the crisis peacefully and within the framework of the United Nations. We expressed full support for the territorial integrity and independence of all states in the region.”

He further said the two sides held discussions on a wide range of subjects of mutual interest as well as matters of concern.

“I also held discussions with His Excellency Shaikh Abdullah bin Khalid al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Islamic Affairs.”

He expressed Pakistan’s solidarity with Bahrain and pledged to always support it.

Mr Jamali said he also briefed the leadership of Bahrain about the current tense state of relations between India and Pakistan, which were further aggravated by India’s reluctance to enter into a dialogue. Bahrain’s leadership expressed their fervent hope that the disputes would be settled peacefully.

“We also exchanged views on the deteriorating Middle East situation and emphasized that the world required to take urgent action to end Israel’s military re-occupation of Palestinian territories so that the peace process could be resumed.”

He paid gratitude to Sheikh Hamad bin Isa al Khalifa, King of Bahrain, for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to him and his delegation.

The prime minister extended invitation to the King of Bahrain to visit Pakistan at an early date.

NO INFILTRATION: Addressing the Pakistani community here on Thursday, Mr Jamali strongly rejected the allegations of infiltration across the Line of Control (LoC), and said Pakistan was fully capable of defending its geographical frontiers and honour.

Referring to India and its missile tests, he said Pakistan was exercising patience and restraint.

“We don’t believe in tit-for-tat.” Pakistan, he added, believed in dialogue to resolve all outstanding problems, including the core issue of Kashmir.

“It would be difficult for India to cause any harm to Pakistan”. The armed forces and 150 million people of Pakistan were capable to defend it, he added.—APP