|
|
|
| 06 December 2004 | Monday | 23 Shawwal 1425 |
Musharraf, Blair to hold talks on crucial issues
LONDON, Dec 5: British Prime Minister Tony Blair will discuss the fight against terrorism and Middle East peace with Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf when they meet on Monday, officials said.
President Musharraf, who arrived in Britain on Sunday from talks with US President George W. Bush in Washington at the weekend, faces pressure in his own country from militant groups that disapprove of his ties with Washington.
"Pakistan is one of the key countries tackling terrorism and Musharraf has shown great courage," said a British official. He said Mr Blair's talks with Musharraf would also encompass counter-proliferation, Pakistan's relations with India and international trade. The president would also report on his meeting with US President George Bush.
Mr Bush praised his ally's efforts in the war on terrorism and in the hunt for Osama. Mr Blair and Gen Musharraf were also expected to discuss the importance of peace in the Middle East after the death of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat.
Officials expect the leaders to touch on a more sensitive issue - whether Gen Musharraf will stand down as chief of the army by the start of next year. The Commonwealth group of mostly former British colonies, which re-admitted Pakistan in May, is maintaining pressure on President Musharraf to hang up his army uniform.
Britain and other countries have said they want to see a separation of powers, but making progress on democratic reforms is the most important factor. "We do recognise the pressures the president faces and the need for security and we think the important thing is that they strengthen democratic institutions," said a British official.
Gen Musharraf will visit other senior government members and travel to the northern English city of Manchester to meet Pakistani community leaders on Tuesday. -Reuters
|
|
|
|