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21/2200 HOURS OF 23-7-1998

PAK-US TALKS: The Foreign Secretary Mr. Shamshad Ahmad has said the timing for acceding to CTBT can be determined when Pakistan is absolutely sure that its vital security concerns have been fully safeguarded. There has to be a clear demonstration of effective engagement on the part of major powers in the whole process of peace and security in South Asia which should focus on Kashmir.

He was talking to newsmen after three days of talks with US Deputy Secretary of State, Mr. Strobe Talbott in Islamabad Thursday.

He said Pakistan will see how the situation evolves during the meeting between the Prime Ministers of Pakistan and India in Colombo. Pakistan would see to what extent the Indians are now ready to reciprocate to our sincerity of purpose in addressing the core issue of Kashmir.

Big powers have assured Pakistan that they would exercise their influence over India to resolve the Kashmir issue. The United States, he said, has assured Pakistan that they share Pakistan's concerns and are convinced that Kashmir issue has to be addressed. President Clinton in his letter to Prime Minister delivered Wednesday said India and Pakistan should resume dialogue and Washington would use its influence for engagement between Pakistan and India on Kashmir.

Replying to a question Mr. Shamshad Ahmad said Pakistan is seeking resumption of dialogue with India but that must be based on the agreed understanding of June 1997 including discussion on Kashmir.

The American Deputy Secretary of State said while pursuing its policy of global non-proliferation it would keep in view the vital interests of security, stability and prosperity of Pakistan.

Describing his talks in Islamabad as solid and serious, he said these interests figured prominently at discussions between the two sides.

Mr. Talbott said the democratic leadership of Pakistan is addressing the concern sand interests of the people at an appropriate time and quiet diplomacy is operating in the best interest of the United States and Pakistan. Pakistani leadership has explained to him the country's perception of its defence and security needs and the contribution it can make to peace, security, stability and global non-proliferation.

The US Deputy Secretary of State welcomed the forthcoming talks between Prime Ministers of Pakistan and India in Colombo and said Washington would be watching and supporting it in every way.

STATEMENT: Earlier a joint statement said Pakistan and the United States have held substantive and constructive talks on issues of concern in the context of regional and global dimensions including the situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

It said the United States expressed support for the success of the impending mission of the International Monetary Fund.

The Statement described the talks between the United States and Pakistan as substantive and constructive and that both sides have agreed to continue the discussions later next month.

WASIM: The Chairman of Senate, Mr. Wasim Sajjad has impressed upon the international community to come forward to help reduce tension in the South Asian region by resolving the core issue of Kashmir.

He was talking to the Ambassador of the Netherlands, Mr. Jaap A. Walkate who called on him in Islamabad Thursday.

The ambassador of the Netherlands appreciated the concern of Pakistan and the circumstances under which it had to take nuclear options and termed it an unfortunate development in the region. He also underlined the need for an early settlement of the Kashmir issue.

KHALID: Pakistan will seek legal redress to recover its 568 million dollars from the United States which were paid as advance for 28 F-16 fighter planes under a contract.

The Federal Law Minister Mr. Khalid Anwar told APP in Washington that Pakistan want to take this course after exhausting all available avenues in this regard. He said we have waited for a long time and are left with no other option but to go to court. He said under the contract between the two countries signed in 1989 we can sue the government of the United States to recover our money.

KASHMIR: In occupied Kashmir APHC Chairman Syed Ali Gilani has been arrested alongwith Ghulam Muhammad Hubbi, Sumji and Javed Ahmad Mir while they were on their way from Verinag to Kolgam in Southern Kashmir. They were to address public rally there. They have been detained at Doro Police Station.

They visited Verinag in Islamabad-Ananatnag area where Kashmiri people have been subjected to Indian brutalities.