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KARACHI, May 31: The first European documentary festival, jointly organized by the Royal Netherlands Embassy, Pakistan Institute of International Affairs, Karafilm Society and Alliance Francaise, concluded on Tuesday. At least 13 movies were screened during the five-day festival, which began on May 27.
One of the best documentaries, titled ‘Dutch Light’ was screened on the last day of the festival.
The documentary, directed by Pieter-Rim de Kroon, sheds light on the myth that light in Holland is unique. It points out that light has been sensitively handled in landscapes, interiors and still lives by 17th century Dutch painters.
The movie also takes into account scientific phenomena to figure out why light in the Netherlands seems to be different if not unique.
The other documentary screened on Tuesday night was called ‘We will carry on the Schutze family.’
KASURI’S STATEMENT: The Foreign Minister, Khurshid Mehmud Kasuri, on Monday reiterated Pakistan’s desire for tension-free relations with India and said if the composite dialogue was to result in durable peace, and resolution of all outstanding issues, the solution must reflect aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
He said this in a speech that was read out on his behalf on the concluding day of the first European documentary festival at the Pakistan Institute of International Affairs.
Pakistan, he said, believed that the Kashmiri people, as the principal party to the dispute, must be associated with the Pakistan-India dialogue process for seeking a final peaceful settlement.
“We have impressed upon India the need to work out mutually acceptable modalities to associate the Kashmiri people with the composite dialogue process,” said Mr Kasuri.
He noted that there had been some positive developments in the recent past. The two governments had shown a great sense of responsibility and flexibility to achieve this humanitarian CBM, he added.
He emphasized that progress on other issues such as the Baglihar Dam and Siachen was equally important. These issues, if not resolved, had the capability to cast a shadow on the ongoing dialogue process.
He also referred to President Pervez Musharraf’s recent visit to India, the ‘joint statement’ issued on April 18, and the technical expert level talks on Kishanganga Hydroelectric-cum-Storage Plant, Lahore-Amritsar Bus Service, etc, and hoped the process led to a peaceful settlement of all bilateral issues including the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir.
He claimed that Pakistan-US relations were gaining momentum, as President Bush, in his second term, had reiterated the US commitment to ‘a broader and sustainable long-torn relationship with Pakistan’.
The two countries, he said, had a Joint Working Group (JWG) on Counter-Terrorism and Law Enforcement.
Pakistan, he said, believed that there was a need for a comprehensive definition of terrorism that should take into account all forms of terrorism including state terrorism. “Pakistan draws clear distinction between terrorist activities and the legitimate struggle of people for their right of self-determination,” he added.
“We also encourage our other friends of South Asia to join hands with us in our efforts to bring about durable peace in the region,” he said.
Kasuri also spoke on Pak-EU relations and said, “Our interests in Europe, include political support on issues of importance including Kashmir dispute, market access, defence equipment, transfer of technology, and protecting our community’s interests.”
