12 February 2004	Thursday	20 Zilhaj 1424

ISLAMABAD, Feb 11: The Foreign Office while clarifying a report (Dr Khan not given blanket pardon) in Dawn (Feb 10, 2004) on the question of the reported bugging of the Pakistan High Commission by British intelligence agencies said the British Government had sent a communication to Foreign Minister Khurshid Mehmood Kasuri.

The communication followed a call on the foreign minister on January 26 by Sir Nigel Sheinwald, the Foreign Policy Advisor to the British Prime Minister, Tony Blair.

The communication said the British Government recognized the difficulties caused by such allegations and concerns. It added that the British Government would not wish to do anything to harm the development of bilateral relationship between the UK and Pakistan.

The foreign minister was assured that the British Government continued to attach great importance to the relationship between the two countries. Emphasising the need for maintaining the closest cooperation between the two countries, the communication underlined that the close working contacts should not be compromised by irritants caused by certain press reports.

Against this background, the two governments have agreed to put this irritant behind and to maintain their close friendship and cooperation in all fields.