09 January 2004	Friday	16 Ziqa'ad 1424

ISLAMABAD, Jan 8: Pakistan is likely to send more troops for UN peacekeeping operations in Liberia and other flashpoints in Africa, says the visiting UN undersecretary-general, Jean-Marie Guehenno, at a press conference here on Thursday.

After his discussions with the president, prime minister and foreign minister, Mr Guehenno said, he had high hopes about Pakistan's continued support to the UN's global peace missions.

"I received a strong signal of support to the UN peacekeeping missions from Pakistan." Pakistan, according to the details provided to newsmen on the occasion, is already contributing the largest number of troops - 5,343, followed by Bangladesh with 4,274 troops in UN peacekeeping missions.

Referring to UNGOMIP's role in resolving the Kashmir dispute, Mr Guehenno said as the leaders of Pakistan and India had recently agreed on holding a dialogue, any comment on the subject on his part might not be helpful.

When he was asked if the UNGOMIP had reported any violation of ceasefire along the Line of Control in Kashmir, he categorically said: "No." About the Indian plan to build a fence along the LoC, he said: "We have reported very precisely to the UN Security Council and it was for that body to take a position on that matter."

He also refused to comment on the suggestion that the construction of the fence was an attempt on India's part to convert the status of LoC into international boundary.

He said International force (Isaf) in Afghanistan was under Nato control and "we believe significant progress has been achieved." He deemed it unfortunate that the increase in troops was too inadequate to ensure peace and security in Afghanistan.