Military

Pakistan may buy F-16, Mirage aircraft -- daily

IRNA

Islamabad, Aug 30, IRNA - Pakistan may purchase F-16 and Mirage 
aircraft from a Middle Eastern country and Belgium, a local newspaper 
reported on Saturday. 
Islamabad-based daily Dawn reported that the proposal was 
discussed during a high-level meeting in Rawalpindi with President 
General Pervez Musharraf in the chair on Friday. 
The newspaper pointed out that though no official word was 
available, it is believed that the purchase of one squadron of 
Mirage-2005 from a Middle Eastern country and two squadrons of F-16 
jets from Belgium were discussed. 
Pakistan says it paid to the United States in advance for F-16 
several years ago, but Washington has declined to honour the deal and 
also is not ready to pay back the amount. 
The reports have it that President Musharraf discussed the matter 
with President George W Bush during his recent visit to the United 
States. 
The daily said, quoting Belgian Defence Minister Andre Flahaut, 
that Pakistan had made a formal request to the Belgian government to 
purchase the planes. 
Similarly, Islamabad is keen for purchase of one squadron of 
latest Mirage from a Middle Eastern country, it added . 
MHA/TSH/211 
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