September 8, 2003	Monday	Rajab 10, 1424

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ISLAMABAD, Sept 7: Pakistan will be watching closely the Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s four-day visit to India which is being seen in official circles here as an “ominous sign” for the regional peace and security.

Ariel Sharon is due in New Delhi on Monday in what is said to be the first official visit by an Israeli Prime Minister since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1992.

“The burgeoning defence cooperation between India and Israel is a matter of deep concern to us as it can destabilise the region by impeding peace and security,” a senior Foreign Ministry official said when his comments were sought by Dawn on the eve of Sharon’s visit to India.

Pakistan is especially worried about India’s plans to purchase from Israel Phalcon airborne warning and control systems (AWACS) and other advance weapons systems.

The sale of such military equipment to India will “adversely affect the delicate strategic balance in South Asia,” Foreign Office maintained.

Sharon will be leading a 150-member strong delegation to India, comprising key cabinet members, government officials and businessmen.

Ariel Sharon’s visit to India overlaps with visit of US Assistant secretary of State for South Asia Christina Rocca’s trip to India that is slated between Sept 9 and 15.