ISLAMABAD, Dec 10 : The United Kingdom will support Pakistan’s re-entry into the Commonwealth provided it continues its progress towards democracy, the visiting British minister of state for foreign affairs, trade and investment, Mike O’ Brien said while addressing a press conference here on Wednesday.
He said that the Commonwealth would like to see positive changes in Pakistan.
He expressed the hope that an agreement among Commonwealth members would be reached soon to allow Pakistan’s re-entry as a full member of the organization.
Announcing an enhancement in the visa service for Pakistani businessmen, Mr O’Brien said that from the next week the British High Commission would accept applications from businessmen sponsored to visit a British company and for various special business categories such as independent investors.
“We will also re-open the visa section in Karachi for interviews early next year. We are committed to restore a full visa service by next Spring”, he said.
Referring to the issue of the bugging of Pakistani mission in London, the minister said that he was not supposed to comment on the issue, adding that the issue would not affect relations between the two countries.
Regarding the travel advisory issued to the British citizens, the minister said that the UK was constantly monitoring the situation and if conditions improved in Pakistan, the travel advisory would be amended accordingly.
“Our commercial links with Pakistan are also strong ... It is for this reason that I am accompanied on my trip by ... British businessmen both from Pakistan-Britain Trade and Investment Forum and the Nottingham Chamber of Commerce”, he said.
He said that UK wanted to remain impartial vis-a-vis Pak- India relations. However, he said that UK would condemn any act of terrorism, repression and violence against people.
APP adds: Mr O’Brien said that the issue of bugging of the Pakistan High Commission in London would not overshadow the otherwise close and long standing ties between the two countries.
Mr Brian said: “The idea that one issue can impact seriously, I think is untrue.”
Following repeated questions from the journalists Brian said the media was trying to highlight such matters to get a good story, but relations between the two countries were “otherwise very good.”
Referring to Pakistan’s awaiting a formal reply in this regard, the minister said: “If and when we get a particular request from the Pakistan government, we will obviously give it a proper consideration.”
Referring to the details of his discussions with the president, he said part of it was private, adding that a broad range of issues, including Afghanistan, India and trade with Pakistan were discussed. Besides, the issue of terrorism, democracy in Pakistan also figured during the talks.
Mr O’Brien said a similarity of views were expressed by the President Pervez Musharraf and several Ministers during their meetings with him.
“While we may not always agree on every issue, the fundamentals of this relationship remain as strong as ever,” he added.
Mr O’Brien said the ceasefire between Pakistan and India would lead to resolution of outstanding differences, including the issue of Kashmir.
Describing the recent ceasefire as being a truly significant development, he said: “Tensions between India and Pakistan presents one of the most serious challenges to the stability and prosperity of the region.”
He said: “The recent ceasefire between the two countries ... with other confidence building measures, will pave the way to the beginning of a process which could lead to the resolution of outstanding differences, including the issue of Kashmir itself.”