04 July 2004	Sunday	15 Jamadi-ul-Awwal 1425

SKARDU, July 3: The first conqueror of K-2, Lino Laccedelli, and his 24-member team left here for Askoli on Saturday morning.

A large number of people, including civil and army officials and tour operators, attended a banquet given in the honour of the team by Hushey Trek and Tours.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Laccedelli expressed his gratitude to the government for celebrating the first ascent of K-2.

He advised the authorities to provide climbing permits only to fully trained mountaineers.

Mr Laccedelli thanked the people of Baltistan for giving him an enthusiastic reception at Katchura Bridge and said: "When the people of Skardu accorded me a warm welcome, I felt like I had conquered the peak of K-2 the second time. I was really impressed by their hospitality, sincerity and love."

He said his visit to the region at the age of 80 was also aimed at meeting the people of Baltistan once again and to say hello and goodbye to the king of mountains, K-2.

Earlier, Skardu Deputy Commissioner Sajid Baloch welcomed Mr Laccedelli and his team and assured them of logistic arrangements and administrative cooperation. Mr Baloch presented a traditional Balti cap to him.

Baltistan Association of Adventure Tour Operators President Mohammad Iqbal welcomed Mr Laccedelli and assured him of his support.

During their two-day stay here, Mr Laccedelli and his team visited the Sadpara Lake.-APP