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Clinton's visit to boost region's peace: Japanese envoy

IKRAMUL HAQ

ISLAMABAD: The Japanese Ambassador to Pakistan Minoru Kubota has expressed the hope that President Clinton's visit to the sub-continent "would enhance peace and stability in the region", and would have positive implication for the solution of the Kashmir dispute.

The Japanese Ambassador, who was talking to newsmen at the signing ceremony of grant agreement with an Afghan NGO, said that the US president's visit to Pakistan, which he always expected would come, would have economic, political and social implications for the region.

The Ambassador, who is completing his assignment in Pakistan, spoke highly of the warmth and hospitality of the people and thanked them and the government for " his most memorable tenure" in 43 years diplomatic career in several countries.

Asked to comment on the visit of the US president to Pakistan, he said that he greatly appreciated US decision to send President Clinton which he always expected. It is a significant occasion and would contribute towards peace and stability in the region.

Asked about its implication for the Kashmir dispute, Kubota said the visit would relate to all kinds of issues for peace and stability i.e. economic, political and social. It would be beneficial in all aspects, he added.

Responding to a question, he said that after the formation of the new government in Pakistan, Japan hopes that it would strengthen the economy of the country and secondly democracy would be restored. He hoped that both things would materialise as soon as possible.

Later talking informally to newsmen, he said that he had been visiting Pakistan since 1980. He found that it has been making progress. Despite numerous problems - all countries are confronted with problems - Pakistan, he added, has been moving forward.

He was confident the country would continue to do so. His reasons were a very large manpower, substantial natural resources and hardworking people, who, he said, were warm-hearted, friendly and well-meaning. Moreover, the country has lot many friends and Japan is one of them, he emphasised.