March 4, 2003	Tuesday	Zul Hijjah 30, 1423

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ISLAMABAD, March 3: Foreign minister Khurshid Mehmood Kasuri told his British counterpart Jack Straw on Monday that Pakistan supported disarmament of Iraq in accordance with resolution 1441 and keenly awaits the UN chief inspector Dr Blix’s report on March 7.

Mr Kasuri conveyed this to the British foreign secretary Jack Straw when the latter telephoned him. During their 35-minute conversation the two ministers discussed bilateral relations and the latest development with regard to the Iraqi crisis, said a statement by the Foreign Office on Monday.

The British foreign secretary shared with Mr Kasuri his country’s position on Iraq situation and the second draft resolution presented on Feb 24.

Reiterating Pakistan’s position that it favours a peaceful resolution of the crisis in the interest of the Iraqi people, Kasuri told Mr Straw that Pakistan had not yet taken a decision on the proposed resolution.

Mr Kasuri, however, stated that Pakistan was watching closely and with great concern the events and the evolving situation relating to Iraq.

Whatever Pakistan finally decides will reflect our concern for resolution of disputes within the UN framework and for maintaining international unity, Mr Kasuri said.

According to the statement Jack Straw also renewed his invitation to the foreign minister to visit London that is expected to take place shortly.