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Clinton visit

will strengthen

ties: JJ

MULTAN: The Chief Executive's Adviser on National Affairs and Media Development Javed Jabbar on Wednesday said US President Clinton's decision to visit Pakistan will strengthen historic Pak-US friendship.

He was talking to newsmen at Multan Airport after his arrival from Lahore this morning.

Javed Jabbar said the US President's visit to Pakistan will have a far-reaching impact on South Asia. It has vindicated Pakistan's position on regional situation, he added.

The Chief Executive's Adviser expressed his confidence that Clinton's visit will prove to be a mile stone in peace and progress in the region.

He said Pakistan's inclusion in US President's South Asia itinerary has foiled Indian designs to get Pakistan declared a terrorist state.

He said Clinton will meet Chief Executive General Pervez Musharraf and have a luncheon meeting with him. He said US President will directly talk to the people of Pakistan, who will accord him a befitting welcome on his visit to Pakistan.

About freedom of the Press, he said the Govt has imposed no curbs on information dissemination or press freedom. The Press is totally independent here and the media is quite free to report whatever happens in the country.

Earlier, the Chief Executive's Media Adviser apologised to mediamen for inconvenience they had to experience at the hands of Airport authorities who did not allow them to enter the Airport Lounge to receive the Adviser and talk to him.ÑAPP