05 November 2004	Friday	21 Ramazan 1425

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ISLAMABAD, Nov 4: The re-election of President George W. Bush for a second term in office will ensure continuity in Pakistan-United States strategic relationship and will be helpful for Pakistan in consolidating bilateral ties.

This was the crux of Foreign Minister Khurshid Mehmood Kasuri's reaction to the outcome of the US presidential elections when Dawn contacted him on Thursday.

"Pakistan has already established excellent relations with all top leaders of the Bush administration and, therefore, there will be continuity in our strategic relations," the foreign minister said. He added: "It will be helpful for Pakistan as the current momentum will not break."

He maintained that Pakistan had bi-partisan support in the Congress, pointing out that it had been in touch with both Republicans and Democrats on the Hill.

To a question regarding the $3.2 billion economic and military aid package for Pakistan, Mr Kasuri said Pakistan had firm assurance from the Bush administration at the highest level that the US commitment will persist.

He said recent attempts to create impediments in the way of the aid package were effectively contained.

The multi-aid package was announced by President Bush after his meeting with President Pervez Musharraf at Camp David last year on June 24.

"We are very optimistic that the ongoing cooperation between Pakistan and the US at all levels will continue," the foreign minister said.

He saw bright prospects of increase in military and economic cooperation between the two countries over the next four years.

He also sounded hopeful that the new Bush administration would be more sensitive and receptive to Pakistan's security needs, hinting at sales of advanced weapons systems to Pakistan.

The foreign minister reiterated that Pakistan had no aggressive designs and its military posture was entirely defensive in nature.

He seemed confident about continued US engagement in the ongoing peace process between Pakistan and India. "We hope this engagement will continue as positive engagement is useful," he said, underlining Pakistan's commitment to the dialogue process.

In this context any positive engagement whether it was from the US, EU or any other friendly country was welcome, he added.

The foreign minister expressed the hope that the new Bush administration would give greater attention to the Palestine issue and other troubled spots in the Muslim world.

"Addressing the unresolved political and territorial disputes in the Islamic world is the best way of combating terrorism," he asserted.

Meanwhile, in the official circles here President Bush's re-election for a second term is viewed as a positive development for Pakistan. Although, there are no public pronouncements hailing his victory, privately government representatives concede that the news came as a big relief to them. Their contention is that Pakistan can do business better with the United States under a Republican administration. Also, they see the Bush-Musharraf rapport as an added advantage.

Analysts say it is especially good news for President Musharraf as unlike a Democratic government, the Bush administration will not push him hard on democracy and nuclear-related issues. US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage, who is due here next week, has already declared President Musharraf as 'the best man' to lead Pakistan.