JEDDAH: Each of the six countries that President Bhutto has visited during the last four days has assured that recognition of Bangla Desh will not be precipitated. ... Pakistan’s position continues to be that there can be no recognition until a meeting between Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and President Bhutto is held.
Three of the five countries that Mr Bhutto had visited ... expressed compete unanimity of views and support for Pakistan’s position in regard to withdrawal of troops on the Indo-Pakistan borders and in Kashmir to their pre-war position and repatriation of prisoners-of-war. ... Iraq and Lebanon, however, felt that by supporting Pakistan’s position in a formal joint communiqué, they will reduce the chances of their working as intermediaries between India and Pakistan. ...
Iraq was specially hesitant to endorse Pakistan’s position on a joint communiqué on the lines it was done by Abu Dhabi, Kuwait and Jordan on the plea that they did not subscribe to the idea of a joint communiqué. ... Iraq’s reluctance is understandable as they have their own internal problems ... and cannot afford to annoy India... . They are also having trouble with the oil companies consortium operating in their country.
Published in Dawn, June 2nd, 2022
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