ASSOCIATED
PRESS OF PAKISTAN
NEWS SUMMARY
(25-03-2000)
Highlights of Chief Executive's press conference 25 March 2000
Opening Statement of the Chief Executive
Following is the text of opening statement of Chief Executive General Pervez Musharraf at his press conference after talks with U.S. President Bill Clinton.
President Bill Clinton's visit to Islamabad has been highly significant as the first by a U.S. resident in more than three decades. The visit provided us with an opportunity to have important and wide-ranging discussions with him. The visit augurs well for a better future of our region and for strengthening of mutual relations between Pakistan and the United States.
You must have listened to President Clinton's address on TV. He recalled friendly cooperation between the two countries has a long history and has contributed towards bringing about the positive global transformation of our times. As we enter the new century, we remain convinced that strong friendly relations between Pakistan and the United States are vital for peace, stability and progress of our region.
President Clinton has visited our region at a time when it is passing through a critical period. We both shared the concern that tensions in South Asia are high and need to be defused. It is widely recognised that Kashmir is the root cause of tensions in the region.
We deeply appreciate the interest expressed by President Clinton in the resolution of the Kashmir dispute and reduction of tensions between Pakistan and India. He stressed the need for the resumption of dialogue between the two countries. I told him that Pakistan is ready for a dialogue anywhere at any time and at any level. I also impressed upon President Clinton that US engagement is necessary to facilitate a meaningful dialogue for progress towards resolution of the Kashmir problem, in accordance with the wishes of the Kashmiri people.
My discussions with the US President also covered all issues of mutual concern relative to our region and beyond, including nuclear matters and terrorism. The US President pointed to concerns over nuclear proliferation and emphasised the need for restraint. I reaffirmed our policy of restraint and responsibility on nuclear matters. I also reiterated Pakistan's long standing policy of preventing nuclear proliferation. I stated that Pakistan's nuclear deterrence is indispensable for our security. I proposed resumption of dialogue with the United States nuclear issues.
Both sides fully agreed on the need to combat the menace of terrorism. Pakistan will continue to participate in all international efforts aimed at combating terrorism wherever and in whichever form it occurs. I told President Clinton about the steps taken by the Government to ensure economic revival, rebuilding of state institutions and the restoration of genuine democracy in the country. I shared with him our plans, announced two days ago, to hold elections for local bodies and bringing about structural changes to ensure devolution of power at the grass root levels.
President Clinton was also informed about the structural reforms being carried out by the Government in the economic field which will generate attractive opportunities for investors. President Clinton appreciated the policy measures adopted by the Government to reinvigorate the economy and expressed US readiness to help our efforts for growth and socio-economic development.
I am confident that my talks with President Clinton, will serve to rejuvenate our fifty year old friendship for mutual benefit and a better world.
I now invite questions.
Highlights
Here are the highlights of the press conference of Chief Executive
General Pervez Musharraf after talks with U.S. President Bill Clinton at
Chief Executive Secretariat.
- Clinton's visit to Islamabad has been highly significant.
- The strong friendly relations between Pakistan and the United States are vital for peace, stability and progress of South Asia.
- Kashmir is widely recognized as the root cause of tensions in the region.
- We deeply appreciate the interest expressed by President Clinton in the resolution of the Kashmir dispute and reduction of tensions between Pakistan and India.
- Clinton stressed for the resumption of dialogue between Pakistan and India.
- Pakistan is ready for a dialogue with India anywhere at any time and at any level.
- US engagement is necessary to facilitate a meaningful dialogue. for progress towards Kashmir resolution.
- Reaffirmation of Pakistan's policy of restraint and responsibility on nuclear matters in talks with Clinton.
- Reiteration of Pakistan's long standing policy of preventing nuclear proliferation.
- Pakistan's nuclear deterrence is indispensable for its security.
- Proposal for resumption of dialogue between Pakistan and the United States on nuclear issues.
- Both sides fully agreed on the need to combat the menace of terrorism. Pakistan will continue to participate in all international efforts aimed at combating terrorism. wherever and in whichever form it occurs.
- Clinton was apprised of the government's steps to ensure economic revival, rebuilding of state institutions and the restoration of genuine democracy in the country.
- Told of plans to hold elections for local bodies and bringing about structural changes to ensure devolution of power at the grassroot levels.
- Informed of structural reforms being carried out by the Government in the economic field.
- Clinton appreciated government's policy measures to reinvigorate the economy and expressed US readiness to help its efforts for growth and socio-economic development.
- Chief Executive expressed Pakistan's viewpoint "sincerely and genuinely.
- Pakistan is certainly not a failed state.
- Clinton assured to use his good offices to facilitate dialogue between Pakistan and India.
- Musharraf satisfied over the Clinton's views on the necessity of resolution of Kashmir issue.
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