October 10, 2003	Friday	Sha’aban 13, 1424

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ISLAMABAD, Oct 9: Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali dropped the strongest hint on Thursday of sending troops to Iraq, saying that the nation and parliament would be taken into confidence on the issue.

Speaking at a press conference at the airport on his return from the United States’ 10-day visit, the prime minister said the issue of sending troops to Iraq was discussed with the US leaders, including President George W. Bush.

Asked if he would disclose what transpired in his meetings with th US leaders, specially about sending Pakistani troops to Iraq, he said everything could not be disclosed. National interest, he added, was supreme and it would be guarded.

Mr Jamali did not offer direct answer to a question whether Pakistani troops would be under the US command or some other force.

He said the draft resolution specifying US role in Iraq would be studied and a decision taken, keeping in view the national interest.

The revival of democracy in Pakistan, he said, was welcomed by the US and inviting him for the visit was enough testimony of the US recognition of Pakistan’s democracy.

President George Bush’s meeting with the President and the Prime Minister of Pakistan within a span of 10 days was a message to the world how important Pakistan was to the US, he remarked.

When asked whether the democratic system in the country was more secure after his US visit, Mr Jamali said the democratic system was safe in Pakistan.

He further said that parliament was functioning and there was no threat to democracy in Pakistan. There were examples in the world where parliaments were functioning without the opposition, he added, citing Bangladesh where parliament was functioning without the opposition.

Mr Jamali said the press was not fair in portraying that there was a constitutional deadlock in the country.

He further said that he conveyed Pakistan’s concern on US-India joint military exercises. “It is a matter of concern for us and has been conveyed to the US.”

ISRAEL:The prime minister said the issue of recognizing Israel was not discussed at all. He even said that nobody in Pakistan ever talked of recognizing Israel.

MEETS ANNAN: On Wednesday, the prime minister told United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan at the UN headquarters that Pakistan was ready to open comprehensive dialogue with India on Kashmir and other issues, adds our New York correspondent.

Talking to reporters after half an hour meeting with Mr Annan he said: “I told the secretary-general that Pakistan will establish rail and air links” with India.

He referred to President Pervez Musharraf’s action plan on the peace process with India which New Delhi had summarily rejected here last week.

Asked whether he discussed Iraqi issue with the UN chief, he said: “Yes we spoke about Iraq and sending Pakistani troops and I said we need the UN and OIC cover, including a request from the Iraqi people for our help.”

BENAZIR, NAWAZ: When asked about the ‘fate’ of Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif, Mr Jamali said: “God decides the fate of the people or they choose something for themselves.” Both the leaders preferred to stay abroad, adds APP.

“Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif themselves decided to leave the country. We have nothing to do with that.”