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Non-NATO US ally status to benefit Pakistan: Spokesman

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Islamabad, March 22, IRNA - Pakistan said Monday it would benefit from
military sales, training and in research and development programmes 
after being notified as a non-NATO US military ally. 
Foreign Office Spokesman Masood Khan while replying to questions 
at a news briefing in Islamabad said Pakistan would have access to 
defence articles, facilitating military sales and will participate in 
research and development programmes benefiting from enhanced military 
training. 
He described US decision to make Pakistan as a non-NATO military 
ally a good development. 
Asked to comment on the statement by US Ambassador in Afghanistan,
Khalilzadeh, the spokesman said Secretary of State Colin Powell had 
detailed discussion with Pakistani leadership on combating 
nternational terrorism and situation in and around Afghanistan. 
"If the ambassador had any specific information or intelligence, 
he should have shared this with Pakistan instead of making insinuation
in the media." 
On the referendum in Taiwan, the spokesman said Pakistan is 
committed to one China policy. "We strongly oppose any attempt aimed 
t undermining this principle," he said rejecting the referendum in 
Taiwan as "invalid". 
About the assassination of Hamas Leader Sheikh Yassin, he said 
Pakistan regrets the cycle of violence in Middle East which has a 
negative impact on the ongoing Middle East peace process. 
"Pakistan strongly supports Palestinian people`s struggle for 
attaining statehood and political independence," the spokesman added. 
TK/TSH/214 
End