950805

Aseff reiterates

commitment to

Afghanistan's

territorial

integrity

KABUL: Foreign Minister Sardar Aseff Ahmad Ali Saturday had an exchange of views with Taliban leaders in Kandhar and reiterated Pakistan's commitment to Afghanistan's territorial integrity.

He was accorded a very warm welcome this morning at the Kandhar airport by Mullah Rabbani, the Deputy leader of the Taliban movement along with 25 members of the Taliban Shoora.

The governor of Kandhar, Mullah Muhammad Hassan and Mullah Muhammad Abbas, mayor of Kandhar were also present at the airport and accompanied the minister, says a message received here.

The minister had a two hour exchange of views with Mullah Rabbani and the members of the Taliban Shoora during which he emphasised Pakistan's continuing commitment to the unity and territorial integrity of Afghanistan as well as the desire for the process of national reconciliation in order to establish durable peace in Afghanistan.

The minister expressed his appreciation of the fact that the Taliban movement has resorted to disarming all private citizens which was the first step towards restoring peace in Afghanistan. He briefed the Shoora about the economic plans for laying gas pipeline which would be running through their territory and expressed the hope that Taliban would extend full cooperation in facilitating the project which will be of economic benefit to Afghanistan particularly the areas under Taliban control.

The minister also briefed him about the tripartite meeting of foreign and communication ministers of Pakistan, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan to be held shortly in Pakistan.-APP