Pakistan is committed to peace: FM

Published August 8, 2006

ISLAMABAD, Aug 7: Foreign Minister Khurshid Mehmood Kasuri on Monday reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to the composite dialogue process between India and Pakistan aimed at addressing all outstanding issues including the issue of Kashmir.

He was talking to Gareth Evans, former Australian Foreign Minister and president of the International Crisis Group, who called on him at the Foreign Office.

Mr Evans exchanged views on various issues including regional security environment, future of the India-Pakistan dialogue process, Pakistan’s relations with Afghanistan and Pakistan’s role in the fight against terrorism.

The foreign minister said the peace process served the interests of both Pakistan and India. He, therefore, expressed the hope that it would be resumed sooner rather that later.

On Afghanistan, Foreign Minister Kasuri reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to a peaceful and stable Afghanistan.

He said that Pakistan has direct stake in the peace, progress and stability of Afghanistan and has been extending full cooperation to achieve this objective.—APP