960403

Leghari meets

US Congressman,

reiterates Pak

stand for peace

ISLAMABAD: President Farooq Ahmad Khan Leghari has said that Pakistan is a democratic liberal and progressive country which could play a moderating role between the West and the Muslim World.

He was talking to American Congressman Charles Wilson who called on him at the Aiwan-e-Sadr here on Wednesday.

President Leghari said: "Pakistan also occupies an important strategic location at the cross roads, and several important regions and civilizations of the world and could, therefore, play a very major role for peace and stability in the region. he said Pakistan was willing to have meaningful talks with India to resolve the Kashmir issue, but the Indian missile and nuclear programmes were aggravating the situation and increasing tensions in the region. He said Pakistan would like US to play its role for reducing tensions in the region.

The President said that Pakistan wants peace in Afghanistan and would like the United States to play its due role for restoration of peace in Afghanistan under the UN umbrella which takes into account interests of the all ethnic groups. He remarked that peace in the region would result in numerous economic benefits for all countries of the region and said that Pakistan would welcome maximum possible American investment in Pakistan specially in energy sector including generation, transmission and distribution of Thermal and Hydel power.

Charles Wilson said: "that we greatly valued our long relationship with Pakistan which needs to be re-established on firmer basis for the cause of peace, development and stability in the region and the world.-APP