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CE expresses satisfaction over talks with Clinton

RECORDER REPORT

ISLAMABAD: The Chief Executive, General Pervez Musharraf has told newsmen that he was satisfied with his talks with US President Bill Clinton held earlier in the afternoon.

He told a very crowded news conference here late on Saturday night the Americans had some perceptions and "we gave them our views on those" and hence it was wrong to say there was a deadlock between them. The General said that he would not be diplomatic about his conversations with Clinton earlier in the afternoon and would like to make a frank statement.

"We have a long history of friendly relations with the United States that has brought about positive global transformation of our times and while entering the new century we remained convinced that those relations were vial for peace, stability and progress of our region", he said.

The Chief Executive said the American had some concerns over nuclear proliferation, terrorism and future of democracy in Pakistan and he had told him of the policies of his administration.

Gen Musharraf said he reaffirmed the policy of his government to act with restraint and responsibility on nuclear matters and stand on non-proliferation but explained that Pakistan's nuclear deterrence was indispensable for its security. He said nevertheless he had proposed resumption of Pakistan-US meetings on the nuclear issues.

On the question of terrorism, he said both sides had agreed to combat "the menace" and reiterated Pakistani desire to participate in all international efforts aimed at combating it wherever and in whichever form it occurred.

On the question of democracy, the Chief Executive said he had told his guests about the steps taken by his administration to ensure economic revival, rebuilding of state institutions and restoration of "genuine democracy in the country".

He said he had shared with Clinton 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".

He declined to say whether he had been able to change the thinking of Bill Clinton except that he had conveyed his administration's point of view to his guests.

He said that there was no rejection or endorsement of any point of view at the talks and said that he thought his visitors had understood his thinking.

He also told another questioner that he had not raised the question of removal of US economic sanctions against Pakistan and also that he did not receive an invitation from the US President to return his visit by coming to the United States.

Gen Musharraf told an American newsman that he and President Clinton had conferred for about two hours and rest of the time they had, as golf enthusiasts, talked about their handicaps.

He confirmed that during discussions on the state of terrorism the American had raised the question of Osama bin Ladin who was living in Afghanistan under the protection of Taliban regime and had asked him to use his connections with the Afghanis in this connection. He said he intended to raise the question with Taliban whenever he visited their country.

He also confirmed that the America had raised the question of Nawaz Sharif with him but he had told them that he could not comment on it, as the case was subjudice.

When asked if he had been able to get the legitimacy of his administration recognised by the Americans, the General said his legitimacy came from the people of Pakistan and not from anywhere else. "I do not need it from outside but I appreciate the understanding of President Clinton of the events of Oct 12".