960419

Aseff holds

talks with Raphel

ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Minister Sardar Aseff Ahmed Ali met with Ms. Robin Raphel today and briefed her on bilateral and regional matters, Afghanistan and Kashmir.

The Foreign Minister briefed her on Indian oppression in Kashmir and the fact that the elections were a bogus exercise. The people of Kashmir did not see them as a positive development.

He explained that the freedom struggle was indigenous. He also explained that the only party which gained from the hostage crisis was the Indians. This situation diverted attention from the Kashmir struggle and damaged their case. Pakistan was very concerned and was ready to help in any way possible to end this terrible agony of the hostages.

He briefed her on Afghanistan where she would be going on Saturday. In view of the equilibrium of forces it may be the time for diplomacy, the Foreign Minister added.

The Foreign Minister also explained the importance of the plans for the pipeline from Central Asia to Pakistan.-APP