20000305

Pakistan, Turkmenistan may probe new avenues for gas line

ASIF FAROOQI

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Turkmenistan on Sunday are likely to work out new proposals for the renewal of Pak-Turkmenistan gas pipeline project which is in the doldrums since the backing off of American investor, Unicol.

The US company withdrew from the multimillion dollar project last year blaming the law and order situation in Afghanistan for its retreat. Pakistan and Turkmenistan have been very keen to find new avenues to relive the project which would link the two countries and Afghanistan through a gas pipeline.

Turkmen Foreign Minister, Sheikhmuradov, who is on a three-day official visit to Pakistan, is scheduled to hold talks with Petroleum Minister Usman Aminuddin, focusing on the pipeline project.

The Turkmen minister soon after his arrival in Islamabad on Saturday morning, held formal discussion on bilateral issues with Chief Executive General Musharraf and Foreign Minister Abdul Sattar.

According to official sources, maintenance of durable peace was the focus of his deliberations with Pakistani officials as the two sides felt that durable peace was essential for promoting economic links between Turkmenistan and Pakistan. "The two sides held in-depth exchange on enhancement of bilateral cooperation in various fields, especially in developing communication and economic links," an official statement issued after the meetings with a Foreign Ministry delegation, led by the Foreign Minister, said.

The two sides agreed to exploit all the possible options for extending economic cooperation. It was noted that maintenance of permanent peace in Afghanistan was vital for raising the level of cooperation between Turkmenistan and Pakistan in all fields. On his countries efforts for bringing peace to Afghanistan.

The Turkmen minister briefed his Pakistani counterpart on the Ashgabat process and other initiatives taken by Turkmenistan for a political settlement.

On the question of Pakistan's relations with India and the issues of Jammu and Kashmir, Foreign Minister Abdul Sattar briefed the Turkmen side at length about the increase in tensions due to hostile statements and provocative actions by India in recent days. He also underscored the maturity and restraint which had been demonstrated by Pakistan and our desire that disputes should be resolved peacefully through negotiations.

Turkmen Foreign Minister underlined the need for resolving the Kashmir dispute through talks.

The Turkmen Foreign Minister earlier called on the Chief Executive General Pervez Musharraf and delivered to him a letter from President of Turkmenistan Saparmurat Niyazov Turkmenbashi.

NIYAZOV INVITES MUSHARRAF

President Niyazov extended an invitation to General Pervez Musharraf to visit Turkmenistan. The Chief Executive accepted the invitation with pleasure and asked the Turkmen Foreign Minister to convey his best wishes and warm regards to President Niyazov.

According to the officials, discussions were held in a friendly and cordial atmosphere. Important issues of mutual interest were reviewed during the meeting. Special emphasis was laid on enhancement of economic interaction. The talks also covered Afghanistan and other regional issues of mutual concern. There was a close identity of views between the two sides.