ISLAMABAD, May 9: President Pervez Musharraf and Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, who met here on Thursday, expressed their total understanding and unanimity of views on matters concerning the Middle East and South Asian region.

Musharraf, flanked by the Lebanese premier, told reporters after the formal talks the two sides discussed situation in the Middle East and Palestine and evinced a common desire for a peaceful settlement of the dispute.

The president said he also briefed the Lebanese dignitary on the tension between Pakistan and India, and the Kashmir issue. The situation in Afghanistan also came up for discussion.

Musharraf said the visit of Prime Minister Hariri had provided the two sides with the opportunity to have an overall review of what was happening in the South Asia and around the world.

Mr Hariri, who arrived from Malaysia on a brief visit here, said they discussed the Middle East imbroglio and the situation in Palestine.

The president is very keen about finding a peaceful solution to the Middle East problem based on the UN resolutions, he said, adding they also talked about Jerusalem and “he (President Musharraf) believed that the holy places must remain in the hands of the Muslims and the Arabs.”

Hariri said he had come here to congratulate President Musharraf on the outcome of the referendum. He said President Musharraf’s success would open up the doors for better relations with the Islamic countries.—APP