Announcement

CM · Jan 11, 2001, 12:13 PM

Date Monday 8th January 2001

Newspaper: The Dawn
Article 1: Pakistan, Syria slam Israeli aggression
Link: http://www.dawn.com/2001/01/08/top1.htm

DAMASCUS, Jan 7: Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Chief Executive General Pervez Musharraf on Sunday denounced Israel for what they called its aggression against the Palestinian people, a presidential spokesman said.

He said the two leaders' condemnation was made during a meeting between Assad and Gen Musharraf, who arrived in Damascus earlier in the day on an official visit to Syria as part of a regional tour.

"The two sides denounced the aggressions committed by Israel against the Palestinian people..." spokesman Joubran Kourieh said. "They also expressed support for the rights of the Palestinian and called for Israel's withdrawal from all the occupied lands," he said.

Kourieh also said that Assad and Musharraf expressed a desire to boost bilateral cooperation in all fields, especially in the economic and commercial sectors.

GOLAN HEIGHTS: General Pervez Musharraf on Sunday extended Pakistan's support to Syrian right to the Golan Heights occupied by Israel during the 1967 War.

"Pakistanis pray for the Syrian rights to Golan Heights and we are with you on that," he told the Imam of the historic Umayyad mosque after visiting the mosque, which was conquered, by Hazrat Khalid bin Walid (RA) during the time of second Caliph Hazrat Umar Farooq (RA).

A Syrian minister also presented the chief executive a gift of the Holy Quran on the occasion. General Musharraf along with his entourage went round various sections of the mosque and showed keen interest in its architecture and graphic work.

"I have heard so much about the history of Islam and I have seen it today," General Musharraf said. He described the Umayyad Mosque as a "symbol of rich religious and historic heritage of Damascus." It is indeed an honor to visit the mosque, he added. The chief executive also visited the tomb of great warrior Salahuddin Ayubi and offered fateha.

Later, General Musharraf visited Hazrat Bibi Zainab (RA) mausoleum in the outskirts of Damascus and offered fateha.

He also visited tombs of Hazrat Bilal Habshi (RA) and Hazrat Jaffar Tayyar (RA) (brother of Hazrat Ali) and offered fateha.

FORMAL TALKS: On Monday, the chief executive will hold formal talks with Syrian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa Miro.

A bilateral meeting between the Pakistani ministers with their Syrian counterparts is also scheduled to be held on Monday. Later in the day, some protocols and agreements will be inked, besides signing of a Memorandum of Understanding.

ARRIVAL: Earlier, on his arrival, the chief executive was accorded warm welcome at the airport. Syrian Prime Minister Mohammed Mustafa Miro and Foreign Minister Faruq al-Shara received him.

Two smartly turned out children in traditional costumes presented bouquets to the chief executive, as he alighted from the aircraft.

Before proceeding to the dais for taking of the salute, General Musharraf introduced members of his entourage to the Syrian prime minister.

The chief executive was later introduced to the Syrian ministers and senior officials. The CE's entourage included Foreign Minister Abdul Sattar, Finance Minister Shaukat Aziz, Commerce Minister Abdul Razzaq Dawood, Minister for Science and Technology Dr Attaur Rehman and Secretary Defense Lt-Gen (retd) Nasim Rana.

Earlier, during a brief stopover at Bahrain Airport for refueling, Bahrain Minister of State, Majid Jawad Al-Jishi and Pakistan's Ambassador Muhammad Shafique and senior officials of Pakistani Embassy received the chief executive.

According to Al-Baath, the newspaper of Syria's ruling party, Damascus hopes Musharraf's trip will help secure agreements aiding Syria's economic development.

A Pakistani diplomat said that Islamabad would soon open an IT training center in Damascus, in cooperation with Syria's education ministry.

Officials say the during visit to brotherly Arab countries the chief executive will brief the Arab leaders about the security situation in South Asia, especially Pakistan's efforts for resumption of dialogue with India and Kashmir problem.

Besides strengthening existing bilateral friendly relations with the respective countries, the visit will also provide an opportunity to promote trade and cooperation in Information Technology besides discussing the problems being faced by the Ummah, officials said.

Gen Musharraf will proceed to Jordan on Monday from Syria. In Amman, he will hold talks with Jordanian Prime Minister Ali Abul Ragheb. He will also meet King Abdullah.

The CE will arrive in Beirut on Jan 9 on two-day visit to Lebanon, the last destination of his tour. He will hold talks with the Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri on international and bilateral issues. He will also meet Lebanese President Emile Lahoud.

The chief executive was invited for the visit by heads of the respective countries during recent OIC summit in Doha, Qatar. -Agencies

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Newspaper: The News
Short 1: Pakistan signs agreements with Syria
(Updated at 1635 PST) DAMASCUS: Six cooperation agreements have been signed between Pakistan and Syria during the visit of General Pervez Musharraf to Damascus, it was reported. Musharraf and Syrian Prime Minister Mustapha Miro signed an overall programme of cooperation between the two governments, and five other agreements, covering industry, science, technology, agriculture and news, with an arrangement between the Syrian and Pakistani news agencies, SANA and APP.

Short 2: Chief Executive arrives in Jordan
(Updated at 1900 PST) AMMAN: Chief Executive General Pervez Musharraf arrived in Jordan on Monday on the second leg of a three-nation Middle East tour. Musharraf will hold talks with King Abdullah and top Jordanian officials on bilateral cooperation and Middle East peace efforts during his 24-hour visit, reports said. The Chief Executive flew in from Damascus where he held similar talks with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Article 2: Musharraf, Bashar denounce Israel Musharraf backs Syria on Golan Heights, appreciates Syrian stance on Kashmir
Link: http://www.jang.com.pk/thenews/jan20...main/main1.htm

DAMASCUS: Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Chief Executive General Pervaiz Musharraf on Sunday denounced Israel for what they called its aggressions against the Palestinian people, a presidential spokesman said. He said the two leaders' condemnation was made during a meeting between Assad and Musharraf, who arrived in Damascus earlier in the day on an official visit to Syria as part of a regional tour. "The two sides denounced the aggressions committed by Israel against the Palestinian people..." spokesman Joubran Kourieh said.

"They also expressed support for the rights of the Palestinian people and called for Israel's withdrawal from all the occupied lands," he said. At least 358 people, most of them Palestinians, have been killed since late September in an uprising against Israeli rule in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Kourieh also said that Assad and Musharraf expressed a desire to boost bilateral cooperation in all fields, especially in the economic and commercial sectors.

Chief Executive General Pervez Musharraf on Sunday held in-depth talks with Syrian President Bashar-Al-Assad and appreciated Damascus's principled position on the long running Kashmir dispute. "Both the leaders shared their vision for their own countries and a deep desire on part of both the leaders to expand cooperation in order to give substance to the political concord that existed between us, " Foreign Minister Abdul Sattar told a group of reporters soon after their talks at People's Palace here. Abdul Sattar said General Musharraf expressed his "appreciation for Syrian principled stand on Kashmir."

During the talks Foreign Minister, Finance Minister, Commerce Minister, Communication Minister and Minister for Privatization assisted General Musharraf. Syrian Prime Minister Muhammad Mustafa Miro, Deputy Prime Minister Khalid Raad, and State Minister helped the Syrian President for Foreign Affairs Nasser Qaddour and Minister for Trade and Economy Dr. Imad. General Musharraf and Bashar-Al-Assad later had nearly 90 minutes one-to-one talks on wide-ranging issues. Syrian President warmly greeted General Musharraf when he along with his entourage arrived at People's Palace.

General Musharraf said fortunately, Pakistan and Syria have a clear perception of their specific national requirements and are engaged in formulating appropriate strategies to meet them. We both believe that our objectives can be best advanced through fuller and more meaningful interaction with the outside world, strategically and economically.

The further intensification of our bilateral ties, particularly in the economic and commercial realm, would be a significant step towards realization of that objective. In this context, I wish to propose a Pakistan-Syria "partnership in development", as both the countries are at a similar stage of economic development and are in a position to complement each other's potential.

Pakistan has always stood by Syria, in its just demand for return for Golan Heights and all other Arab territories under the illegal occupation of Israel. "We believe that a fair and lasting settlement of the Middle East conflict lies in faithful implementation of the relevant Security Council resolutions."

The Foreign Minister said both the leaders expressed the need for sharing each other's experiences in order to "accelerate the process of development in our own countries." The two leaders have exchanged "assurances of mutual support on the righteous causes that two countries are pursuing", Sattar said while referring to the Kashmir and Golan Heights.

Earlier, the chief executive said Pakistan supported Syrian right to the Golan Heights occupied by Israel during 1967 War. "Pakistanis pray for the Syrian rights to Golan Heights and we are with you on that," he told Imam of the historic Umayyad mosque after visiting the mosque, which was conquered, by Hazrat Khalid bin Walid (RA) during the time of second Caliph Hazrat Umar (RA). The CE was also presented a gift of the Holy Quran by a Syrian Minister on the occasion. Gen Musharraf along with his entourage went round various sections of the mosque and showed keen interest in its architecture and graphic work. "I have heard so much about the history of Islam and I have seen it today," Musharraf said.

Earlier, the CE arrived here Sunday to a warm welcome as he began his four-day official visit of Syria, Jordan and Lebanon. Syrian Prime Minister Muhammad Mustafa Miro, Syrian ministers, Pak Ambassador Sibte Yahya Naqvi and other Pakistani officials, received him at the Damascus international airport.

The airport ceremonies included playing of national anthems of the two countries and presentation of guard of honor by the Syrian Presidential Guards. From the airport, General Musharraf along with Syrian prime minister and members of his delegation drove in a motorcade for Tishreen Palace.

Foreign Minister Abdul Sattar, Finance Minister Shaukat Aziz, Commerce Minister Abdul Razzaq Dawood, and Minister accompany him for Science and Technology Prof Attaur Rahman, Defense Secretary Lt-Gen Nasim Rana (retd) and other senior officials. During his visit, General Musharraf and the Syrian prime minister will hold official talks on bilateral issues. The chief executive will also meet Syrian President Dr. Bashar Al-Assad. He will visit the grave of late Syrian leader Hafiz Al-Assad and will also meet Pakistani community in Syria.

Later Monday, some protocols and agreements will be inked, besides signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The CE is scheduled to address the Pakistani community after which he will depart for Amman. In Amman, Musharraf will hold official talks with Jordanian Prime Minister Ali Abul Ragheb. He will also meet King Abdullah.

The Chief Executive will arrive in Beirut on January 9 on two-day visit to Lebanon, the last destination of his tour. He will hold official talks with the Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri on international and bilateral issues. He will also meet Lebanese President Emile Lahoud.

Officials say the chief executive will brief the Arab leaders about the security situation in South Asia, especially Pakistan's efforts for resumption of dialogue with India and Kashmir problem. Besides strengthening existing bilateral friendly relations with the respective countries, the visit will also provide an opportunity to promote trade and cooperation in Information Technology besides discussing the problems being faced by the Muslim Ummah, officials said. Chief Executive was invited for the visit by heads of the respective countries during recent OIC Conference in Doha, Qatar.

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News Paper: Pakistan Observer
Article 3: CE meets Assad, receives warm welcome in Damascus Islamabad supports Syria on Golan Heights

DAMASCUS-Chief Executive General Pervez Musharraf on Sunday said Pakistan supported Syrian right to the Golan Heights occupied by Israel during 1967 War.

"Pakistanis pray for the Syrian rights to Golan Heights and we are with you on that," he told Imam of the historic Umayyad mosque after visiting the mosque, which was conquered, by Hazrat Khalid bin Walid during the time of second Caliph Hazrat Umar.

A Syrian minister also presented the Chief Executive a gift of the Holy Quran on the occasion.

General Musharraf along with his entourage went round various sections of the mosque and showed keen interest in its architecture and graphic work.

"I have heard so much about the history of Islam and I have seen it today," General Musharraf said.

General Musharraf described the Umayyad Mosque as a "symbol of rich religious and historic heritage of Damascus." It is indeed an honor to visit the mosque, he added.

Chief Executive General Pervez Musharraf held talks with Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad here Sunday evening.

Both the leaders exchanged views on bilateral, regional and international issues.

The Chief Executive will hold formal talks with Syrian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustapha Miro today
Earlier Chief Executive General Pervez Musharraf flew here Sunday afternoon to a warm welcome, as he began his four-day official visit of Syria, Jordan and Lebanon.

Syrian Prime Minister Muhammad Mustafa Miro, Syrian ministers, Pakistan Ambassador Sibte Yahya Naqvi and other officials of the Pakistan embassy, received him at the Damascus international airport.

During his official visit to three Middle Eastern countries, General Musharraf is scheduled to have talks with the top leadership of Syria, Jordan and Lebanon on bilateral and regional matters.

The airport ceremonies included playing of national anthems of the two countries and presentation of guard of honor by the Syrian Presidential Guards.

From the airport, General Musharraf along with Syrian Prime Minister and members of his delegation drove in a motorcade for Tishreen Palace.

General Musharraf is accompanied by Foreign Minister Abdul Sattar, Finance Minister Shaukat Aziz, Commerce Minister Abdul Razzaq Dawood, Minister for Science and Technology Prof Ata-ur-Rahman, Defense Secretary Lt Gen (Retd) Nasim Rana and other senior officials.

Two smartly turned out children in traditional costumes presented bouquets to the Chief Executive, as he alighted from the aircraft.

Before proceeding to the dais for taking of the salute, General Musharraf introduced members of his entourage to the Syrian Prime Minister.

The Chief Executive was later introduced to the Syrian ministers and senior officials.

A bilateral meeting between the Pakistani ministers with their Syrian counterparts is scheduled to be held.

Later today, some protocols and agreements will be inked, besides signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

The Chief Executive is scheduled to address the Pakistani community.

Later Monday afternoon, General Musharraf is scheduled to depart for Amman.

Earlier Chief Executive General Pervez Musharraf left Karachi Sunday morning for Damascus on a 4-day official visit to Syria, Jordan and Lebanon.

Foreign Minister Abdul Sattar, Federal Minister for Finance, Shaukat Aziz, Federal Minister accompanied the Chief Executive for Commerce, Abdul Razzaq Dawood and Federal Minister for Science and Technology, Prof Dr Atta-ur-Rehman.

Pakistan enjoys excellent relations with Arab countries and attaches special importance to further developing fraternal relations with them.
The ties of religion, history and culture provide a strong underpinning to these relations.

Syria, Jordan and Lebanon have been supportive of Pakistan's position on Kashmir. They have also shown great understanding for the nuclear option exercised by Pakistan to restore the strategic balance in South Asia. -APP

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Newspaper: BBC International
Article 4: Musharraf signs accords with Syria

Pakistan's military ruler, Pervez Musharraf, has signed several agreements on cooperation with Syria during a visit to Damascus. The accords cover agriculture, science and technology, and information. General Musharraf had talks with the Syrian president, Bashar al-Assad, yesterday after his arrival in Damascus at the start of a four-day visit to the Middle East, which will also take him to Jordan and Lebanon.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service

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Syria's Assad rejects Israeli 'threats'

January 8, 2001
Web posted at: 4:42 AM EST (0942 GMT)
DAMASCUS, Syria (Reuters) -- Syrian President Bashar Assad on Sunday rejected Israeli threats against his country and said the struggle to liberate occupied Arab land and establishes Middle East peace would continue.

"No threats will prevent us from continuing the struggle to liberate the occupied Arab territories and establish a just and durable peace in the region," Assad said in a speech delivered at a dinner he hosted in honor of visiting Pakistani military ruler General Pervez Musharraf.

"We will not also be deceived by false promises," he said without elaboration. Reuters obtained a copy of the speech. Israel had threatened decisive action against Syria and Lebanon if it did not rein in Lebanese Shi'ite Muslim Hizbollah guerrillas, who, in a spectacular raid in south Lebanon last October, captured three Israeli soldiers.

The main foreign power broker in Lebanon where it has some 35,000 troops, Syria has backed Hizbollah in leading a resistance campaign that compelled Israel to withdraw from south Lebanon in May after 22 years of military occupation.

Assad called on Israel to withdraw fully from all occupied Arab lands, complete its withdrawal from the disputed Sheba Farms area in south Lebanon and free all Arab prisoners to pave the way for peace throughout the region.

Syria and Lebanon insist Israel should leave the Sheba Farms area on the edge of the Golan Heights bordering Syria and Lebanon, but the United Nations says the area was captured by Israel from Syria in the 1967 war and does not form part of Lebanese territory.

"The Arab nation has called for solving the Arab-Israeli conflict through a just and comprehensive peace settlement that is based on U.N. resolutions and the land-for-peace principle," Assad said.

Syria has held sporadic peace talks with Israel since 1991, but the negotiations broke off last January without agreement on the fate of the Golan Heights. Syria demands a complete Israel withdrawal from the strategic plateau.

Musharraf, in a similar speech, renewed Pakistan's backing for the Arab campaign for a full Israeli withdrawal from occupied Arab territories. Earlier on Sunday, Assad and Musharraf denounced Israel for what they called aggression against the Palestinian people.

Presidential spokesman Joubran Kourieh said the two leaders' condemnation was made during a meeting between Assad and Musharraf, who arrived in Damascus earlier on an official visit to Syria as part of a regional tour.

"The two sides denounced the aggressions committed by Israel against the Palestinian people..." Kourieh said. "They also expressed support for the rights of the Palestinian people and called for Israel's withdrawal from all the occupied lands," he said.

At least 358 people, the vast majority of them Palestinians, have been killed since late September in an uprising against Israeli occupation in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Musharraf, accompanied by ministers of foreign affairs, finance, commerce and science, will visit Jordan and Lebanon during his four-day tour, officials said.

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News Paper: Pakistan Frontier Post
Article 5: Pakistan supports Syria on Golan - Musharraf holds talks with Bashar
Updated on 1/8/2001 9:47:33 AM

DAMASCUS (APP) - Chief Executive General Pervez Musharraf Sunday said Pakistan supported Syrian right to the Golan Heights occupied by Israel since 1967 war.

"Pakistanis pray for the Syrian rights to Golan Heights and we are with Syria on that," he said in an arrival statement on Sunday.

Later, the chief executive visited a historic mosque where a Syrian minister presented him a gift of the Holy Quran. "I have head so much about the history of Islam and I have seen it today," Musharraf said. Meanwhile, Musharraf held talks with Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad here Sunday evening.

Both the leaders exchanged views on bilateral, regional and international issues. The chief executive will hold formal talks with Syrian Prime Minister Muhammad Mustafa Miro today.

Earlier, Musharraf flew here to a warm welcome, as he began his four-day official visit to Syria, Jordan and Lebanon.

Syrian Prime Minister Muhammad Mustafa Miro, Syrian ministers, Pakistan ambassador Sibte Yahya Naqvi and other officials of the Pakistan embassy, received him at the Damascus International Airport.

During his official visit to three Middle Eastern countries, General Musharraf is scheduled to have talks with the top leadership of Syria, Jordan and Lebanon on bilateral and regional matters.

From the airport, Musharraf along with Syrian prime minister and members of his delegation drove in a motorcade for Tishreen Palace.

Foreign Minister Abdul Sattar, Finance Minister Shaukat Aziz, Commerce Minister Abdul Razzaq Dawood, and Minister accompany Musharraf for Science and Technology Prof.

Ata-ur-Rahman, Defense Secretary Lt. Gen. (Retd) Nasim Rana and other senior officials.

A bilateral meeting between the Pakistani ministers with their Syrian counterparts is scheduled to be held on Monday.

Later some protocols and agreements will be inked, besides signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

The chief executive is also scheduled to address the Pakistani community.

In the afternoon, Musharraf will depart for Amman.

The chief executive also visited the tomb of great warrior Sultan Salahuddin Ayubi and offered Fateha.

Later, Musharraf visited Hazrat Bilal Habshi and Hazrat Jaffar Tayyar (RA) (brother of Hazrat Ali) and offered fateha.

The trade between Damascus and Islamabad is about $ 215 million while there is a potential for cooperation between the two sides in sugar, cement, paper and fertilizer industries.

Earlier, during a brief stopover at Bahrain Airport for refueling, the chief executive was received by Bahrain Minister of State, Majid Jawas Al-Jishi and Pakistan's Ambassador Lt. General (Retd) Muhammad Shafique and senior officials of Pakistani Embassy.

During their informal exchange of views Gen Musharraf and Bahrain Minister discussed matters pertaining to privatization, agriculture and information technology.

Pakistan enjoys excellent relations with Arab countries and attaches special importance to further developing fraternal relations with them.

The ties of religion, history and culture provide a strong underpinning to these relations.

Syria, Jordan and Lebanon have been supportive of Pakistan's position on Kashmir.

They have also shown great understanding for the nuclear option exercised by Pakistan to restore the strategic balance in South Asia.

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Newspaper: The Nation
Article 6: Musharraf lauds Syrian stance on Kashmir

DAMASCUS (APP) - Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad and Chief Executive General Pervez Musharraf on Sunday called for strengthening cooperation between the two countries in all the fields following their talks at People's Palace, which lasted nearly 90 minutes.

"Both the leaders shared their vision for their own countries and a deep desire on part of both the leaders to expand cooperation in order to give substance to the political concord that existed between us, " Foreign Minister Abdul Sattar told a group of reporters soon after their talks at People's Palace here.

Sattar said General Musharraf expressed his "appreciation for Syrian principled stand on Kashmir." Both the leaders said the existing good political will was not reflected in their commerce and economic relations. During the talks Foreign Minister, Finance Minister, Commerce Minister, Communication Minister and Minister for Privatization assisted General Musharraf. Syrian Prime Minister Muhammad Mustafa Miro, Deputy Prime Minister Khalid Raad, and State Minister helped the Syrian President for Foreign Affairs Nasser Qaddour and Minister for Trade and Economy Dr. Imad.

General Musharraf and Bashar-Al-Assad later had nearly 90 minutes one-to-one talks on wide-ranging issues. Syrian President warmly greeted General Musharraf when he along with his entourage arrived at People's Palace. General Musharraf said fortunately, Pakistan and Syria have a clear perception of their specific national requirements and are engaged in formulating appropriate strategies to meet them. We both believe that our objectives can be best advanced through fuller and more meaningful interaction with the outside world, strategically and economically.

The further intensification of our bilateral ties, particularly in the economic and commercial realm, would be a significant step towards realization of that objective. In this context, I wish to propose a Pakistan-Syria "partnership in development", as both the countries are at a similar stage of economic development and are in a position to complement each other's potential. Pakistan has always stood by Syria, in its just demand for return for Golan Heights and all other Arab territories under the illegal occupation of Israel.

"We believe that a fair and lasting settlement of the Middle East conflict lies in faithful implementation of the relevant Security Council resolutions." The Foreign Minister said both the leaders expressed the need for sharing each other's experiences in order to "accelerate the process of development in our own countries." The two leaders have exchanged "assurances of mutual support on the righteous causes that two countries are pursuing", Sattar said while referring to the Kashmir and Golan Heights. The Chief Executive will hold formal talks with Syrian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustapha Miro Monday (today). General Pervez Musharraf said Pakistan supported Syrian right to the Golan Heights occupied by Israel during 1967 War.

"Pakistanis pray for the Syrian rights to Golan Heights and we are with you on that," he told Imam of the historic Umayyad Mosque after visiting the mosque, which was conquered, by Hazrat Khalid bin Walid during the time of second Caliph Hazrat Umar. A Syrian Minister also presented the Chief Executive a gift of the Holy Quran on the occasion. General Musharraf along with his entourage went round various sections of the mosque and showed keen interest in its architecture and graphic work. "I have heard so much about the history of Islam and I have seen it today," General Musharraf said. General Musharraf described the Umayyad Mosque as a "symbol of rich religious and historic heritage of Damascus." It is indeed an honor to visit the mosque, he added.

Chief Executive also went to the tomb of great warrior Salahuddin Ayubi and offered fateha. Later, General Musharraf visited Hazrat Bibi Zainab (RA) mausoleum in the outskirts of Damascus and offered fateha. He also visited tombs of Hazrat Bilal Habshi and Hazrat Jaffar Tayyar (RA) (brother of Hazrat Ali) and offered fateha. Damascus is hoping Musharraf's trip will help secure agreements aiding Syria's economic development, said al-Baath, the newspaper of Syria's ruling party.

"Pakistan is in a good position to support Syria's modernization efforts in industry, technology and agricultural research," the daily said, noting specifically the development of Syria's cement, sugar, glass, textiles and fertilizer industries. Musharraf will cut the ribbon for an information-training center partly financed by Islamabad in Damascus. Syria is paying half of the cost of the 400,000-dollar center, while the rest came from Pakistan and the OIC. Al-Baath said the two countries' cooperation was greatest in agricultural research and "in the area of military defense."

Continued Next post

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CROIRE A L'INCROYABLE

CM · Jan 11, 2001, 12:15 PM

Syria and Pakistan have had close ties since the 1950s, despite their ties to the Soviet Union and the United States respectively. A Pakistani diplomat in Damascus said that Musharraf would back Islamabad's stance behind Syria's hardline against Israel.

Al-Baath praised Pakistan for its support in international circles for Syria's demand for "a just and comprehensive peace based on UN resolutions and the restitution to Syria of the Golan Heights," occupied by Israel in 1967. The paper also backed Pakistan's position on its territorial dispute with India over Kashmir, calling for the implementation of "the UN resolutions on the conflict in Kashmir." In 1949, the UN Security Council passed a resolution calling for a plebiscite to allow Kashmir's mostly Muslim population to determine whether they wanted to join India or Pakistan. Trade between the two countries totaled 15 million dollars in 1999, the Pakistan embassy said. Pakistan exports pharmaceutical and chemical products as well as rice and marble to Syria while Syrian exports to Pakistan are mainly raw cotton and beans, the Pakistan Embassy said.

Newspaper: NNI
Article 7: Musharraf begins three-Arab nation visit

ISLAMABAD (NNI): Chief Executive General Pervez Musharraf Sunday began four-day visit to Arab states for talks on key issues, focusing on strengthening economic ties as well as the situation in Middle East. Musharraf left for Damascus on the first leg of his three-nation tour.

General Musharraf and the Syrian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa Miro will hold official talks on bilateral issues. The Chief Executive will also meet Syrian President Dr. Bashar Al-Assad. He will visit the grave of late Syrian leader Hafiz Al-Assad and will also meet Pakistani community in Syria.

General Musharraf will proceed to Jordan on January 8 (Monday) from Syria. In Amman, General Musharraf will hold official talks with Jordanian Prime Minister Ali Abul Ragheb. He will also meet King Abdullah.

The Chief Executive will arrive in Beirut on January 9 on two-day visit to Lebanon, the last destination of his tour. He will hold official talks with the Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri on international and bilateral issues. He will also meet Lebanese President Emile Lahoud.

Officials say the Chief Executive will brief the Arab leaders about the security situation in South Asia, especially Pakistan's efforts for resumption of dialogue with India and Kashmir problem.

Foreign Minister Abdul Sattar, Finance Minister Shaukat Aziz, Commerce Minister Abdul Razzaq Dawood, Minister for Science and Technology Dr Attaur Rehman and Secretary Defense Lt. Gen (retd) Nasim Rana are accompanying the Chief Executive.

Besides strengthening existing bilateral friendly relations with the respective countries, the visit will also provide an opportunity to promote trade and cooperation in Information Technology besides discussing the problems being faced by the Muslim Ummah, officials said.

Chief Executive was invited for the visit by heads of the respective countries during recent OIC Conference in Doha, Qatar.

Date: Tuesday 9th January 2001

The Dawn:
Article 1: Pakistan, Syria sign four pacts
Link: http://www.dawn.com/2001/01/09/top1.htm

DAMASCUS, Jan 8: Pakistan and Syria signed here on Monday four agreements in various fields to promote cooperation. Chief Executive General Pervez Musharraf and Syrian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa Miro inked an overall agreement on general cooperation.

The agreements are: executive programme for cultural cooperation 2001-2005, first executive programme for science and technical cooperation, cooperation agreement between SANA and APP, and the memorandum of understanding on agricultural cooperation.

Foreign Minister Abdul Sattar, Science and Technology Minister Dr Attaur Rehman and Commerce Minister Abdul Razzaq Dawood signed the agreements on behalf of Pakistan.

Pakistan's ambassador to Damascus Sibte Yahya Naqvi and Syrian Arab News Agency director-general Ali Abd Al-Karim Ali signed the agreement of news cooperation on behalf of APP and SANA, respectively.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY: Gen Musharraf and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad inaugurated an information technology-training center in Damascus set up jointly with Pakistan at a cost of $400,000.

Syria, Pakistan's Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South, and OIC's scientific and technical cooperation committee finance the Damascus Information Technology Center. Syria put up half the cost, and the two commissions's the other half.

Syria is lagging behind its Lebanese and Jordanian neighbors in information technology, and has only 5,000 Internet subscribers from a population of more than 17 million.

The official SANA news agency said that Islamabad was going to lend Syria $10 million to pay for the purchase of Pakistani information technology equipment. -Agencies

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Article 2: Pakistan hails Syrian stance on Kashmir
Link: http://www.dawn.com/2001/01/09/top2.htm

DAMASCUS, Jan 8: The chief executive, Gen Pervez Musharraf, on Sunday held in-depth talks with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and appreciated Damascus's principled position on the Kashmir dispute.

Both the leaders shared their vision for their own countries and a desire on part of both the leaders to expand cooperation and substantiate the political concord that existed between us, Foreign Minister Abdul Sattar told reporters soon after their talks at the People's Palace here.

Mr. Sattar said Gen Musharraf had expressed his "appreciation for Syria's principled stand on Kashmir" and support for "the just Arab causes seeking recovery of sovereignty over all the territories occupied by the enemy in 1967."

Both the leaders said the good political will was not reflected in their commerce and economic relations.

Gen Musharraf and Bashar al-Assad later had nearly 90-minute one-to-one talks on wide-ranging issues.

KASHMIR ISSUE: The CE on Sunday hoped India would soon agree to Islamabad's repeated calls for purposeful talks for the settlement of the Kashmir dispute and other bilateral problems.

"Our recent decisions to exercise maximum restraint and unilateral pullout of troops along the Line of Control in Kashmir are designed to create an environment for the resumption of dialogue for a peaceful settlement of Kashmir," said the CE at the banquet hosted by the Syrian president.

Pakistan, the CE said, had also called for tripartite talks between India, Pakistan and the All Parties Hurriyat Conference. "It is our earnest hope that the international community would use its influence and urge India to respond positively."

In South Asia, Gen Musharraf said, peace continued to be threatened by the consistent denial of the right to self-determination to the people of Kashmir. -APP

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Article 3: CE, Jordan king back Palestinian state
Link: http://www.dawn.com/2001/01/09/top3.htm

AMMAN, Jan 8: Jordan's King Abdullah II and Chief Executive General Pervez Musharraf on Monday voiced support for an independent Palestinian state that includes east Jerusalem and discussed ways to develop trade between their two countries, officials said.

They met privately at the Raghadan palace complex overlooking the old city of Amman before being joined by high-ranking delegates from both sides, and then headed for a dinner banquet held by the royal couple for Musharraf and his wife.

A palace official said the talks focused on the crippled Middle East peace process and the efforts being made on the international scene to help secure a settlement between Israel and the Palestinians.

Abdullah and Musharraf voiced support for a Palestinian state that includes east Al Quds "and a fair solution to the refugees issue that guarantees their right to return and compensation," the official said.

They also pored over ways to bolster relations between the two countries "in general," focusing on investment possibilities in each other's country, particularly in the field of information technology.

NO TALKS WITH INDIA: The chief executive said there could be no talks with India unless Kashmir was on the agenda. He was speaking to members of Pakistani community here. Gen Musharraf said the peace process between New Delhi and Islamabad would begin if India demonstrated its sincerity. -AFP

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Newspaper: BBC International
Article 4: Musharraf signs accords with Syria

The Pakistani military ruler, Pervez Musharraf, has signed several agreements on cooperation with Syria during a visit to Damascus. The accords cover agriculture, science and technology, and information. In addition, the official Syrian news agency said Pakistan was extending a loan of ten million dollars to Syria to pay for information technology equipment from Pakistan. The Pakistani leader had talks with the Syrian president, Bashar al-Assad, yesterday at the start of his visit. General Musharraf has now gone on to Jordan where officials say he will have talks on the Middle East peace process as well as military and trade ties.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service

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Newspaper: CNN International
Article 5: Jordan, Pakistan leaders discuss cooperation
January 9, 2001
Web posted at: 7:54 AM HKT (2354 GMT)

AMMAN, JORDAN (Reuters) -- Jordan's King Abdullah held talks on Monday with Pakistan's military ruler General Pervez Musharraf on bilateral cooperation and deadlocked Middle East peace efforts, officials said.

Musharraf arrived in Amman earlier in the day on the second leg of a three-nation Middle East tour. Further details of his talks with the monarch were not immediately available.

During his 24-hour visit, Musharraf will tour military sites and attend Tuesday's signing ceremony of a memorandum of understanding on scientific and technology cooperation between Amman and Islamabad, the officials said.

The Pakistani leader flew in from Damascus where he held similar talks with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. A Syrian spokesman said Assad and Musharraf denounced Israel for what they called aggression against the Palestinian people.

At least 359 people, the vast majority of them Palestinians, have been killed since late September in an uprising against Israeli occupation in Arab East Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Musharraf, accompanied by ministers of foreign affairs, finance, commerce and science, will visit Lebanon on Tuesday on the final leg of his four-day tour.

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Newspaper: The News
Article 6: Syria, Pakistan sign cooperation pacts
Link: http://www.jang.com.pk/thenews/jan20...main/main2.htm

DAMASCUS: The Syrian and Pakistani governments on Monday signed six cooperation agreements during the visit to Damascus of Chief Executive General Pervez Musharraf. General Musharraf and Syrian Prime Minister Mustafa Miro signed an overall programme of cooperation between the two governments, and five other agreements, covering industry, science, technology, agriculture and news, with an arrangement between the Syrian and Pakistani news agencies, SANA and APP.

The agreements signed between the two sides include Executive Programme for Cultural Cooperation 2001-2005, First Executive Programme for Science and Technical Cooperation, Cooperation Agreement between SANA and APP and MOU on Agricultural Cooperation. Foreign Minister Abdul Sattar, Minister for Science and Technology Dr. Attaur Rehman and Commerce Minister Abdul Razzaq Dawood signed the agreements on behalf of Pakistan.

Pakistan's Ambassador to Damascus Sibte Yahya Naqvi and director general Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) Ali Abd Al-Karim Ali signed the agreement of news cooperation on behalf of APP and SANA, respectively.

General Musharraf and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad then inaugurated an information technology-training center in Damascus, set up jointly with Pakistan, at a cost of $400,000. The Damascus Information Technology Center is financed by Syria, Pakistan's Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South (COMSATS) and the Scientific and Technical Cooperation Committee of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC).

Syria shares half of the cost, and the two commissions the other half. Syria is lagging behind its Lebanese and Jordanian neighbors in information technology and has only 5,000 Internet subscribers from a population of more than 17 million people. The official SANA news agency said that Pakistan was going to lend Syria $10 million to pay for the purchase of Pakistani information technology equipment. The agency also reported that the two countries would sign an agreement to avoid double taxation.

Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad reiterated his desire to further cement Syrian ties with Islamabad in, "different domains," particularly their co-operation in the economic field here on Monday. Gen Musharraf described his visit to Syria as "successful", saying, Bashar Al-Assad wanted to visit Pakistan. The chief executive had invited Syrian leader to visit Islamabad so that Pakistan could reciprocate the hospitality shown to him and his delegation during his visit to Damascus.

The Syrian President Monday attended the inaugural ceremony of an Information Technology Center in Damascus set up through the co-operation of Pakistan, Syria and COMSATS. Gen Musharraf inaugurated the IT center where Syrian Prime Minister Muhammad Mustafa Miro was also present.

"It is a small mirror for the coming co-operation between our two countries," said Bashar Al-Assad. He said every Syrian citizen was highly indebted to each Pakistani and to all those who had helped establish this IT Center. In his brief remarks on the occasion the Syrian President said there was no pretext that this IT center should not grow with the speed with which it was established.

This center was set up within three months of the signing of the agreement between Syria and Pakistan through the strenuous efforts of Science and Technology Minister Dr Attaur Rehman. Syrian President said he had met Gen. Musharraf at the OIC Summit at Doha and they had agreed to meet again. "I was pleasantly surprised with the speed in which Chief Executive responded to this agreement," said Bashar.

Bashar said he, during nearly 90 minutes talks with Gen Musharraf on Sunday had told the latter that nobody could any longer "accuse us that these countries do not act as speedily as they talk". The establishment of the IT center also emphasized that; "we can achieve anything if we have the will." "As they say that the distance of a million miles starts with one step and the co-operation among the states can start with the projects like this," he said.

The chief executive, who proposed on Sunday "a dynamic Pakistani-Syrian partnership for development" to the Syrian president, also laid a wreath at the Mausoleum of the Martyr on Mount Kassiun, which overlooks Damascus. He later left Damascus for Amman, and was due to go on to Lebanon.

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Article 7: Musharraf, Abdullah discuss cooperation
Link: http://www.jang.com.pk/thenews/jan20...main/main4.htm

AMMAN: Jordan's King Abdullah held talks on Monday with Chief Executive General Pervez Musharraf on bilateral cooperation and deadlocked Middle East peace efforts, officials said. General Musharraf arrived here earlier in the day on the second leg of a three-nation Middle East tour. Further details of his talks with the monarch were not immediately available.

During his 24-hour visit, Gen Musharraf will tour military sites and attend Tuesday's signing ceremony of a memorandum of understanding on scientific and technology cooperation between Amman and Islamabad, the officials said.

The Pakistani leader flew in from Damascus where he held similar talks with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. He is accompanied by ministers of foreign affairs, finance, commerce and science, will visit Lebanon on Tuesday on the final leg of his four-day tour. Earlier, on his arrival, Prime Minister Ali Abu Ragheb, his wife and senior military and political officials, received General Musharraf at the Marka military airport, in the suburbs of Amman.

Gen Musharraf was scheduled to hold talks with King Abdullah at the Raghadan royal palace complex overlooking the capital's old city in the evening and then attend a banquet hosted by the royal couple, officials said. Jordan and Pakistan have traditionally good ties and Musharraf's first visit to the kingdom, since he seized power in a 1999 Army take-over, is expected to "build on those relations and open new horizons," one official said.

Pakistan's Ambassador to Jordan Tariq Fatemi, recently, told a local newspaper that the talks would focus on ways to boost military and trade relations. Amman and Islamabad have worked together in the military field over the past five decades with soldiers and officers from both sides receiving military training in one another's country.

A Jordanian delegation attended a military exhibit in Karachi late last year. Pakistan makes rifles, artillery guns, tanks, armored personnel carriers and submarines and rebuilds French Mirage fighter aircraft.

Trade between Pakistan and Jordan stands at about $20 million, accounting mostly for Jordanian exports of phosphate and potash to Pakistan in exchange for textiles. Jordan is looking for foreign investments to help invigorate its ailing economy. It offers clients the chance to invest in "qualified industrial zones" that allow a customs-free access to markets in the United States, with which Jordan last year signed a wide-ranging free trade agreement.

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CROIRE A L'INCROYABLE

CM · Jan 11, 2001, 12:18 PM

Newspaper: Frontier Post
Article 8: CE for resolving ME conflicts - Four agreements signed with Syria
Updated on 1/9/2001 1:25:06 PM

DAMASCUS (APP) - Pakistan and Syria signed here on Monday four agreements in various fields to promote bilateral cooperation. Chief Executive General Pervez Musharraf and Syrian Prime Minister Muhammad Mustafa Miro inked the accords. The treaties include Executive Programme for Cultural Cooperation 2001-2005, First Executive Programme for Science and Technical Cooperation, Cooperation Agreement between SANA and APP and MoU on Agricultural Cooperation.

Foreign Minster Abdul Sattar, Minster for Science and Technology Dr Attaur Rehman and Commerce Minister Abdul Razzaq Dawood singed the agreements on behalf of Pakistan.

Pakistan's Ambassador to Damascus Sibte Yahya Naqvi and director general Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) Ali Abd Al-Karim Ali signed the agreement of news cooperation on behalf of APP and SANA, respectively.

During the talks, the foreign Minster, finance Minster, commerce Minster, communication minister and Minster assisted Musharraf for privatization. Syrian Prime Minster Muhammad Mustafa Miro, Deputy Prime Minister Khalid Raad, and State Minster helped the Syrian president for Foreign Affairs Nasser Qaddour and Minster for Trade and Economy Dr Imad.

Musharraf and Bashar-Al-Assad later had nearly 90 minutes one-to-one talks on wide-ranging issues. He said fortunately, Pakistan and Syria had a clear perception of their specific national requirements and were engaged in formulating appropriate strategies to meet them.

We both believe that our objectives could be best advanced through fuller and more meaningful interaction with the outside world, strategically and economically. The further intensification of our bilateral ties, particularly in the economic and commercial realm, would be a significant step towards realization of that objective.

In this context, I wish to propose a Pakistan-Syria "partnership in development," as both the countries are at a similar stage of economic development and are in a position to complement each other's potential.

Pakistan has always stood by Syria, in its just demand for return of Golan Heights and all other Arab territories under the illegal occupation of Israel. "We believe that a fair and lasting settlement of the Middle East conflict lies in faithful implementation of the relevant Security Council resolutions." The foreign Minster said both the leaders expressed the need for sharing each other's experiences in order to "accelerate the process of development in our own countries." The two leaders have exchanged "assurances of mutual support on the righteous causes that two countries are pursuing," Sattar said while referring to the Kashmir and Golan Heights.

Bashar-Al-Assad expressed his confidence that Musharraf's visit would further cement fraternal ties between the two countries. "I reaffirm our keenness in Syria to work together with Pakistan for the mutual benefit of our two peoples, the defense of cause of Islam and for peace and security in the world," Bashar told a banquet be hosted in honor of the Chief Executive.

Bashar-Al-Assad appreciated Pakistan's support to Syria, saying, Islamabad had refused to recognize Israel in support of the cause of the Arab nation.

He said at the same time Syria supported Pakistan in her just causes and wishes her success in reaching sound solutions and challenges faced at any level. Resolutions, particularly 242 and 338 recognition of demand for a homeland, was at the heart of a just and equitable peace in the Middle East, he said.

The international community bears an enormous responsibility to restrain Israel from its massive use of force against unarmed civilians and engage in sincere talks with the parties concerned for a comprehensive peace settlement, he said.

Date: Wednesday 10th January 2001

Newspaper: The News
Article 1: Jordan, Pakistan sign maritime, technological accords
Link: http://www.jang.com.pk/thenews/jan20...main/main7.htm

AMMAN: Chief Executive General Pervez Musharraf ended a two-day visit to Jordan on Tuesday with the signing of two bilateral agreements and pledges to strengthen ties in all fields. Before leaving for Lebanon on the third and last leg of a regional tour that started in Syria on Sunday, Musharraf held talks with Jordanian Prime Minister Ali Abu Ragheb and witnessed the signing of the agreements.

One of the agreements concerns maritime transport between the two countries and the other is a memorandum of understanding to develop science and technological cooperation, officials said. Abu Ragheb hailed Musharraf's visit, saying it paved the way for "new basis to develop the brotherly and historical ties" between Amman and Islamabad. "We are proud of the level of cooperation that have existed between our two countries for many years in the political and military fields as well as in trade, culture and technology,"

Abu Ragheb said before seeing off his guest. "Today we witnessed the fruit of this relation with the signing of two new accords," he said. Musharraf also insisted on "the need to strengthen cooperation between the two countries and to find the adequate methods to develop them." The two sides discussed the possibility of investing in each other's country, and Pakistan indicated an interest in Jordan's recently launched "special economic zone" in the Red Sea port of Aqaba and in its ailing flagship phosphates industry.

The volume of trade between the two countries amounted to 20 million dollars last year, accounting mostly for Jordanian exports of phosphate and potash to Pakistan in exchange for textiles. Jordan and Pakistan also have a long-standing history of military cooperation and have provided ach other with training courses for their soldiers.

Earlier, Foreign Minister Abdul Sattar said Chief Executive General Pervez Musharraf and King Abdullah have agreed to further expand investment between them. "The two leaders voted that the friendship between them has deep-rooted history and they have stood by each other in times of crisis besides extending support to each other," Sattar told reporters soon after their talks at the Raghadan Palace.

The minister said that they recognized the both countries are entering a new phase where emphasis needed to be placed on "developing concrete links in economic and commerce fields". He said for that the environment in Jordan was especially conducive for Pakistani businessmen. "Jordan is one of the few countries which enjoy free market access to US, so that goods produced in Jordan could enter the US without any quantitative limits or custom duties," he said.

Sattar said: "Pakistan and Jordan appear to embark upon parallel tracks in the field of information technology. In next three years, Jordan will be able to provide computer education in all its high schools." On Pakistani side the chief executive explained the new IT policy.

General Musharraf also held one-on-one meeting with the Jordanian Prime Minister Ali Abu Ragheb. During the meeting the two leaders voiced their support for an independent Palestinian state that includes Al-Quds. They reaffirmed their support for the restoration of legitimate right of the Palestinians including setting up their independent state on their national soil with Al-Quds as its capital, said an official announcement.

The two leaders, during the 45-minute talks, referred to the warmth of ties and identity of views existing between Islamabad and Amman and emphasized the need for expansion of bilateral cooperation. During the talks, Ragheb expressed the hope that the increased mutual cooperation will yield positive results and help resolve problems facing the two nations.

Reciprocating Ragheb's remarks, the chief executive said Islamabad is appreciative of closeness of their existing ties and there is identity of views on many regional and international issues. "The two sides should identify areas of cooperation to put our ideas into practice for mutual benefit."

The chief executive briefed the host leader about the Afghan crisis and stressed the need for restoration of peace in that country while keeping the ground realities in full view. Finance Minister Shaukat Aziz briefed the Jordanian leaders about the government's policies to turn around the national economy through far-reaching measures.

Commerce Minister Abdul Razzaq Dawood informed the leaders about the prospects of joint Pakistan-Jordan projects, saying these would bring benefits to both countries. Later, General Musharraf left for Beirut. Talking to a group of reporters prior to his departure for Beirut, he said that he saw no reason why feelings of closeness existing between Pakistan, Syria and Jordan, could not be translated into solid cooperation in many fields, including economy. Here Tuesday. "The main purpose of my visit is to revive our bonds of relationship and I'm here to strengthen this relationship," he said.

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Article 2: Lebanon, Pakistan agree to collaborate in defense field
Link: http://www.jang.com.pk/thenews/jan20...main/main3.htm

BEIRUT: Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Al-Hariri and Chief Executive Gen Pervez Musharraf during their talks here on Tuesday agreed to forge defense cooperation between Beirut and Islamabad. They were addressing a joint press conference soon after their talks and signing of two agreements on promotion and protection of investment and bilateral trade between the two countries.

Both the leaders said that their talks had focused on cementing their collaboration in all fields including the defense. "The two delegations began talks with their desire that we collaborate economically and in all fields of activities including defense cooperation," said Gen Musharraf in his brief opening remarks. To a question, Lebanese Prime Minister said: "The focus of our talks was on the development of relations in all fields."

Prime Minister Rafiq Al-Hariri said Lebanon was the gateway to the Middle East. It has taken many steps like slashing custom duties to open its economy for investment. "Lebanon can be used as a base to sell Pakistani products in the Middle East," he said in response to a question.

The Lebanese premier said Lebanon could encourage all the businessmen in this area to make investment in Pakistan. Gen Pervez Musharraf responding to a question on the defense cooperation between the two countries said, both the sides had been collaborating in the field in the past as well.

Lebanese officials had been coming to Pakistan for training in various courses. Besides Pakistan had bought Mirage aircraft from Lebanon, he added. "We have certain maintenance facilities and defense production which we could open to Lebanon to expand cooperation between the two sides, Gen Musharraf said.

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Item: Related News
Article 3: Pakistan, Turkey to intensify defense cooperation
Link: http://www.jang.com.pk/thenews/jan20...ain/main19.htm

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Turkey resolved on Tuesday to intensify defense cooperation and underlined areas of possible joint ventures in defense production, a senior official told The News. The Pak-Turkey defense talks kicked off with the visiting Turkish Commander Land Forces, General Hilmi Ozkok, holding a series of meetings with Pakistani defense officials on the first day of his four-day visit to Pakistan.

An official announcement said General Ozkok met Chief of General Staff Lt Gen. Muhammad Yousaf Khan. The Turkish commander was briefed on the prevailing geo-strategic situation in the region. Pakistan and Turkey have a joint military training programme, and recently a Turkish military contingent held joint military exercises at Cherat.

General Ozkok held meetings at the GHQ, Defence Ministry, Joint Staff Headquarters and Naval Headquarters. On arrival at Chalazae Base, CGS Lt Gen. Muhammad Yousaf Khan, Corps Commander Lt Gen Jamshed Gulzar and other senior military officers received the Turkish commander.

General Ozkok, also visited General Headquarters and met Secretary Defence Production Lt Gen (retd.) Lehrasab Khan before and Director-General Joint Staff Lt Gen. Mohammad Naeem Akbar. General Lehrasab and General Akbar briefed the Turkish General about areas of interests where both the countries could cooperate in defense production. General Ozkok also called on Naval Chief Admiral Abdul Aziz Mirza and got an overview of the Pakistan naval forces.

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Newspaper: BBC International
Article 4: Musharraf reaches agreements with Jordan

Pakistan's military ruler, Pervez Musharraf, has ended a visit to Jordan with the signing of a cooperation agreement on science and technology. Jordan's Planning Minister, Jawad Hadid, was quoted as saying a joint council would be set up to deal with scientific exchanges, including cooperation in research on the peaceful use of nuclear energy. The two countries also signed an agreement on maritime cooperation. General Musharraf, who earlier had talks with King Abdullah, arrived in Jordan yesterday on the second leg of a three-nation tour which takes him next to Lebanon.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service

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Newspaper: The Nation
Article 5: Pakistan, Lebanon to boost trade
BEIRUT (AFP/APP) - The Chief Executive General Pervez Musharraf met here Tuesday with Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri as the two countries pledged to boost bilateral trade. 'Lebanon, the gate of the east, can be a departure base for the trading of Pakistani products,' Hariri said at a joint press conference.

Musharraf and Hariri signed two agreements, one calling for a reinforcement of bilateral trade and the other promising investment. Lebanon imports some 11 million dollars in Pakistani products each year and sells about one million dollars worth to Pakistan.

Musharraf said Pakistan was ready to help Lebanon with demeaning work in the south of the country, where the Israeli army left more than 130,000 mines over its 22-year occupation that ended in May. 'We have experience in this area in the Gulf countries, and we would like to help Lebanon in its efforts,' Musharraf said. Hariri praised the 'friendly relations' between the two countries and Islamabad's support for Lebanon in its conflict with Israel. Hariri noted that some Lebanese officers have received military training in Pakistan. Pakistan also sold Lebanon 10 Mirage planes two years ago for an undisclosed price. 'We are also interested in defense cooperation with Syria and Jordan,' said Musharraf, who traveled to Amman and Damascus before arriving in Beirut.

Musharraf was expected to meet with Lebanese President Emile Lahoud early Wednesday before visiting the southern village of Ana, with its mass grave of 105 civilians killed in an Israeli bombardment in 1996. Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Al-Hariri, ministers and heads of missions of other countries, received the Chief Executive, who arrived here Tuesday afternoon on the last leg of his visit to three Middle East countries, warmly. He was presented a guard of honor by a contingent of Lebanese army. The national anthems of the two countries were played on the occasion.

Musharraf hopeful of solid cooperation, Talking to newsmen, prior to his departure for Beirut, in Amman on Tuesday General Musharraf said he saw no reason why feelings of closeness existing between Pakistan, Syria and Jordan, could not be translated into solid cooperation in many fields including economy.

'The main purpose of my visit is to revive our bonds of relationship between us - I'm here to strengthen this relationship,' he said. Musharraf said now it were the economic ties, which measured the relationship between states. 'The purpose of my visit is certainly to cement these bonds of brotherhood and further expand economic cooperation,' he said. The Chief Executive, replying to a question, said Pakistan always valued its close relationship with Jordan. 'The ties between Islamabad and Amman have always been very close and cordial,' he stated and added: 'I'm here with the purpose of enhancing these ties � my meetings with King Abdullah II and Prime Minister Ali Abu Ragheb have been excellent � our interaction has been warm and extremely cordial, which will benefit the two countries,' said the Chief Executive.

CE meets Jordanian PM, Earlier; General Musharraf held one on one meeting with Jordanian Prime Minister Ali Abu Ragheb on Tuesday. During the meeting the two leaders voiced their support for an independent Palestinian state that includes Al-Quds. They reaffirmed their support for the restoration of legitimate right of the Palestinians including setting up their independent state on their national soil with Al-Quds as its capital. The two leaders, during the 45-minute talks, referred to the warmth of ties and identity of views existing between Islamabad and Amman and emphasized the need for expansion of bilateral cooperation. The Jordanian Prime Minister stated that both the sides have expressed the resolve to expand relations in the fields of culture, economy, science and technology.

During the talks, Ragheb expressed the hope that the increased mutual cooperation would yield positive results and help resolve problems facing the two nations. Reciprocating Ragheb's remarks, the Chief Executive said Islamabad is appreciative of closeness of their existing ties and there is identity of views on many regional and international issues. 'The two sides should identify areas of cooperation to put our ideas into practice for mutual benefit.' Gen Musharraf said the two countries have had detailed discussions at the ministerial level as well, and 'we are coming closer to each other and I'm hopeful that we can make a lot of progress through substantial cooperation.'

Afghanistan: The Chief Executive briefed the host leader about the Afghan crisis and stressed the need for restoration of peace in that country while keeping the ground realities in full view. The international community, he said, must talk to the Taliban for peace in Afghanistan, as they are a reality that controls 95 per cent of the Afghan territory. The Jordanian Prime Minister expressed an understanding of the views spelt out by the Chief Executive and said the Organization of Islamic Conference should make greater efforts for durable peace in Afghanistan. Finance Minister Shaukat Aziz briefed the Jordanian leaders about the government's policies to turn around the national economy through far-reaching measures. Commerce Minister Abdul Razzaq Dawood informed the leaders about the prospects of joint Pakistan-Jordan projects, saying these would bring benefits to both countries.

Meeting with Jordanian Army Chief: The Chief Executive and Jordanian Commander-in-Chief also held e meeting at the Army Headquarters in Amman on Tuesday. During the meeting, they exchanged views on bilateral matters and issues of mutual interest. They also discussed the training aspects of the Jordanian army men in Pakistan.

Trade talks: Pakistan and Jordanian officials Tuesday also held trade talks aimed at promoting economic activities and removing trade imbalances between the two countries. Jordan has shown interest in business activities related to rice, cotton, cotton fabrics and auto parts. Commerce Minister Razzaq Dawood, who led the Pakistani delegation, said, 'We are looking at ways and means to further enhance our investment and business activities in Jordan.' Jordan and Pakistan have decided to work together to set up a fertilizer plant. 'We discussed today about NPK fertilizer. Pakistan is just putting up a NPK plant and we are looking at how we can use NPK, potash and phosphates,' he said.

Talks with King Abdullah: Describing the talks between King Abdullah II and Chief Executive General Pervez Musharraf late Monday night as 'highly satisfactory,' Foreign Minister Abdul Sattar said the two sides had agreed to further expand investment between them. 'The two leaders voted that the friendship between them has deep rooted history and they have stood by each other in times of crisis besides extending support to each other,' Sattar told reporters soon after their talks at the Raghadan Palace in Amman Tuesday night.

Sattar said they 'recognized the both countries are entering a new phase where emphasis needed to be placed on 'developing concrete links in economic and commerce fields.' Some Pakistani enterprising businessmen have already established facilities in Amman. Sattar said Pakistan and Jordan appear to embark upon parallel tracks in the field of information technology. In next three years Jordan will be able to provide computer education in all its high schools. On Pakistani side the Chief Executive explained the new IT policy. Sattar said the Jordanian Prime Minister explained education plans with regard to fast track approach to acquire higher education in it. Both the leaders agree that ministers should hold their talks on Tuesday to look into the possibilities cooperation.

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Newspaper: Pakistan Observer
Article 6: BEIRUT-Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Al-Hariri and Chief Executive Gen. Pervez Musharraf during their talks here Tuesday agreed to forge defense cooperation between Beirut and Islamabad. They were addressing a joint press conference soon after their talks and signing of two agreements on promotion and protection of investment and bilateral trade between the two countries. Both the leaders said that their talks had focused on cementing their collaboration in all fields including the defense.

"The two delegations began talks with their desire that we collaborate economically and in all fields of activities including defense cooperation," said Gen. Musharraf in his brief opening remarks. To a question, Lebanese Prime Minister said, "the focus of our talks was on the development of relations in all fields.

Earlier, Chief Executive General Pervez Musharraf arrived here Tuesday afternoon on the last leg of his visit to three Middle East countries. On arrival, the Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Al-Hariri, Ministers and heads of missions of other countries, received the Chief Executive warmly. He was presented a guard of honor by a contingent of Lebanese army. The national anthems of the two countries were played on the occasion.

After the arrival ceremony, the Chief Executive, accompanied by the Lebanese Prime Minister, left for Grand Serial, office of the Prime Minister, where the two leaders held talks.

Describing the talks between King Abdullah II and Chief Executive General Pervez Musharraf late Monday night as "highly satisfactory." Foreign Minister Abdul Sattar said here Tuesday the two sides have agreed to further expand investment between them.

"The two leaders voted that the friendship between Pakistan and Jordan has deep rooted history and they have stood by each other in times of crisis besides extending support to each other," Sattar told reporters soon after their talks at the Raghadan Palace here late night.

Sattar said they "recognized the both countries are entering a new phase where emphasis needed to be placed on "developing concrete links in economic and commerce fields." He said for that the environment in Jordan was especially conducive for Pakistani businessmen. Jordan is one of the few countries which enjoy free market access to USA, so that goods produced in Jordan could enter the USA without any quantitative limits or custom duties, said Sattar.

Chief Executive General Pervez Musharraf and Jordanian Prime Minister Ali Abu Ragheb held in-depth official talks here Tuesday, calling for practical measures to further strengthen the bilateral cooperation in various fields.

The two leaders, during the 45-minute talks, referred to the warmth of ties and identity of views existing between Islamabad and Amman and emphasized the need for expansion of bilateral cooperation.

The Jordanian Prime Minister stated that both the sides have expressed the resolve to expand relations in the fields of culture, economy, science and technology.

During the talks, Ragheb expressed the hope that the increased mutual cooperation will yield positive results and help resolve problems facing the two nations.

Reciprocating Ragheb's remarks, the Chief Executive said, Islamabad is appreciative of closeness of their existing ties and there is identity of views on many regional and international issues. "The two sides should identify areas of cooperation to put our ideas into practice for mutual benefit."

General Musharraf said, the two countries have had detailed discussions at the Ministerial level as well, and "we are coming closer to each other and I'm hopeful that we can make a lot of progress through substantial cooperation."

The Chief Executive briefed the host leader about the Afghan crisis and stressed the need for restoration of peace in that country while keeping the ground realities in full view. The international community, he said, must talk to the Taliban for peace in Afghanistan, as they are a reality that controls 95 percent of the Afghan territory.

The Jordanian Prime Minister expressed an understanding of the views spelt out by the Chief Executive and said; the Organization of Islamic Conference should make greater efforts for durable peace in Afghanistan.

Finance Minister Shaukat Aziz briefed the Jordanian leaders about the Government's policies to turn around the national economy through far-reaching measures. Commerce Minister Abdul Razzaq Dawood informed the leaders about the prospects of joint Pakistan-Jordan projects, saying these would bring benefits to both countries.

Earlier addressing members of Pakistani community in Amman Chief Executive General Pervez Musharraf said there could be no talks with India unless Kashmir was on the agenda.

The meeting was attended by a large number of people Gen Musharraf said the peace process between New Delhi and Islamabad could begin if India demonstrated its sincerity.

Gen Musharraf said settlement of Kashmir issue was necessary before the improvement of relations between India and Pakistan. The Chief Executive said the world now lauded the unilateral initiatives taken by Pakistan for seeking a peaceful settlement of the Kashmir dispute.

He said that Pakistani nation was fully capable of defending itself. Talking to reporters before leaving Amman for Beirut, General Pervez Musharraf said here Tuesday that he saw no reason why feelings of closeness existing between Pakistan, Syria and Jordan, could not be translated into solid cooperation in many fields including economy. He was talking to a group of reporters prior to his departure for Beirut here Tuesday. "The main purpose of my visit is to revive our bonds of relationship between us - I'm here to strengthen this relationship," he said. -APP

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CROIRE A L'INCROYABLE

CM · Jan 11, 2001, 12:20 PM

Newspaper: The Dawn
Article 7: Islamabad, Beirut sign two accords
Link: http://www.dawn.com/2001/01/10/top3.htm

BEIRUT, Jan 9: Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri and Chief Executive Gen Pervez Musharraf on Tuesday agreed to forge Defence cooperation between Beirut and Islamabad. They were addressing a joint press conference soon after their talks and signing of two agreements on promotion and protection of investment and bilateral trade between the two countries.

Both the leaders said that their talks had focused on cementing their collaboration in all fields, including the Defence. "The two delegations began talks with their desire that we collaborate economically and in all fields of activities, including Defence cooperation," said Gen Musharraf in his brief opening remarks.

Answering a question, the Lebanese prime minister said: "The focus of our talks was on the development of relations in all fields."

Mr. Hariri said Lebanon was the gateway to the Middle East. It has taken many steps like slashing customs duties to open its economy for investment. "Lebanon can be used as a base to sell Pakistani products in the Middle East," he said in response to a question.

He said Lebanon could encourage all the businessmen in that area to make investment in Pakistan. Gen Musharraf, responding to a question on the Defence cooperation between the two countries, said both sides had been collaborating in the field in the past as well. Lebanese officials had been coming to Pakistan for training in various courses. Besides Pakistan had bought Mirage aircraft from Lebanon, he added.

"We have certain maintenance facilities and Defence production which we could open to Lebanon to expand cooperation between the two sides, Gen Musharraf said. He said the Lebanese prime minister had told him that Beirut was interested in cooperation in de-mining. Pakistan, he said, had certain experience in de-mining in the Gulf. "We certainly would like to assist Lebanon in this effort," said the CE. -Agencies

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Article 8: Pakistan, Jordan to boost ties
Link: http://www.dawn.com/2001/01/10/top4.htm

AMMAN, Jan 9: The chief executive, Gen Pervez Musharraf, and Jordanian Prime Minister Ali Abu Ragheb held in-depth official talks on Tuesday, calling for practical measures to strengthen cooperation in various fields. The Jordanian PM stated that both the sides had expressed the resolve to expand relations in the fields of culture, economy, science & technology. He hoped that the increased mutual cooperation would yield positive results and help resolve problems facing the two nations.

Reciprocating Mr. Ragheb's remarks, the CE said that Islamabad was appreciative of closeness of their existing ties and there was identity of views on many regional and international issues. "The two sides should identify areas of cooperation to put our ideas into practice for mutual benefit." The CE briefed the host leader about the Afghan crisis and stressed the need for restoration of peace in the war-ravaged country while keeping the ground realities in full view.

The international community, he said, must talk to the Taliban for peace in Afghanistan, as they were a reality that controlled 95 per cent of the Afghan territory. The Jordanian PM expressed an understanding of the views spelt out by the CE and said; the OIC should make greater efforts for durable peace in Afghanistan.

TRADE TALKS: Pakistan and Jordanian officials on Tuesday held trade talks aimed at promoting economic activities and removing trade imbalances between the two countries. Jordan has shown interest in business activities relating to rice, cotton, cotton fabrics and auto-parts. Commerce Minister Razzaq Dawood said: "We are looking at ways and means to further enhance our investment and business activities in Jordan."-Agencies

Thursday 11th January 2001

Newspaper: The Dawn
Article 1: Pakistan offers to de-mine Lebanon
Link: http://www.dawn.com/2001/01/11/top1.htm

BEIRUT, Jan 10: The chief executive, Gen Pervez Musharraf, has offered de-mining of Lebanon's borders where the Israeli army left last year more than 130,000 mines during its 22-year occupation. Speaking at the banquet hosted in his honor by Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq al-Hariri late Tuesday, he touched upon the Middle East crisis, Pakistan-Lebanese ties, investment opportunities in Pakistan, Kashmir and Afghanistan crisis.

Pakistan supported Lebanon's just stand to regain its territory and secure the full implementation of the UN Security Council Resolution 425, said Gen Musharraf. He said Pakistan also supported Beirut's call for international assistance for reconstruction and rehabilitation of Lebanon's liberated territories.

Gen Musharraf said he was encouraged by his talks with the Lebanese prime minister, which "has been constructive and productive." He said the two agreements signed between the two sides on Tuesday were the first step in the right direction. He expressed the confidence that relations between the two sides would further grow in the years ahead.

On Afghanistan, Gen Musharraf said Taliban were a reality and added that a lasting peace in Afghanistan could not be ensured unless ground realities were taken into account. On Wednesday, the CE condemned atrocities of Israeli forces while recalling the 1996 carnage at the QANA refugee camp, which killed 105 people.

"Pakistan certainly condemns these atrocities against innocent civilians by Israeli occupation forces," he said while talking to reporters soon after offering fateha at the memorial of those who were killed by the Israeli attack. Referring to de-mining, Gen Musharraf stated that a team had to be sent from Islamabad to see and assess the degree of the work needed and the type of force required to de-mine the Lebanese border. He said that according to the international norms and agreements all mines had to be marked and mapped.

Gen Musharraf said Lebanon should demand the maps from Israel and the international community should ask the latter to provide those maps. He said Pakistan had the technical capacity about de-mining. But it had to first see the terrain and had to assess what type of mines-lifting measures could be adopted to accomplish the job.

TRADE TALKS: Gen Musharraf held talks with Lebanese business leaders on Wednesday to boost modest bilateral trade. "Our plan is to import from Lebanon expertise in financial services, real estate development and tourism because we are weak in these areas," Commerce and Industry Minister Razzaq Dawood told Reuters after the meeting. He said Pakistan aimed to double exports to Lebanon to $20m next year by including textiles and more agricultural products. Adnan Kassar, head of the Lebanese Chamber of Commerce, said: "Pakistan is a promising market for Lebanese consumer products. Pakistan's labor and raw materials are inexpensive." Gen Musharraf held talks earlier on Wednesday with Lebanese President Emile Lahoud. -Agencies

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Article 2: Pakistan backs Lebanon's stance
Link: http://www.dawn.com/2001/01/11/top2.htm

BEIRUT, Jan 10: Foreign Minister Abdul Sattar said on Wednesday that Islamabad backed Lebanon's "diplomatic efforts" to "regain" territory still occupied by Israel. He said Lebanon's interim foreign minister Mohammad Baydoun "explained to me that despite Israel's troop pullout from southern Lebanon (in May), there was still a lingering problem as part of Lebanon's territory is still occupied."

"We are now more sensitive to the issue and we back Lebanon's diplomatic efforts to regain its rights," Mr. Sattar told reporters after a meeting with Mr. Baydoun. Mr. Sattar also "denounced the excessive use of force by Israel against the Palestinians."

"Concerning the peace process, current views are not very good but we are sure that at the end truth will prevail and that the Palestinian people will have their state with Jerusalem as its capital," he said. -AFP

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Newspaper: The News
Article 3: Pakistan backs Lebanon's right to occupied lands
Link: http://www.jang.com.pk/thenews/jan20...main/main1.htm

BEIRUT: Chief Executive General Pervez Musharraf ended the last leg of his Middle East tour here on Wednesday and voiced support for Lebanon's demands that Israel return the Lebanese land it occupied in 1967.

On the final day of his regional tour, Gen Musharraf met Lebanese President Emile Lahoud Wednesday morning and supported Lebanon's demands of return of Sheba Farms, in the foothills of the Golan Heights captured by Israel in 1967.

The Lebanese president thanked Gen Musharraf for Islamabad's support and recognition of Lebanon's rights to recover land held by Israel and reiterated his rejection of a permanent implantation of the Palestinian refugees on Lebanese soil, an official statement said.

The two leaders also exchanged views on bilateral and international issues of mutual concern. Gen Musharraf also visited the southern village of Qana, with its mass grave of 105 civilians killed in an Israeli bombardment in 1996. The attack had also injured 300 civilians besides damaging many houses.

He condemned Israeli carnage at Qana refugee camp. "Pakistan certainly condemns these atrocities against innocent civilians by Israeli occupying forces," he said while talking to reporters soon after offering fateha at the memorial of those who were killed by the Israeli attack.

"Pakistan has always stood by its brothers in their stand for vacation of occupied lands and will always support the Arab cause," said the chief executive. Replying to a question about Beirut and Islamabad cooperation in de-mining the Lebanese borders, he said, no plan had been chalked out as yet in this regard.

Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri had asked him on Monday for assisting Lebanon in the de-mining and Pakistan had offered its services for the purpose. At least nine Lebanese civilians have been killed and 63 others injured after stepping on landmines since the May 24 Israeli pullout.

Gen Musharraf said a team had to be sent from Islamabad to see and assess the degree of the work needed and the type of force required to de-mine the Lebanese border. He said, according to the international norms and agreements, all mines have to be marked and mapped. He hoped that Israel had applied international principles and would have the maps indicating the presence of the landmines.

Gen Musharraf said Lebanon should demand the map from Israel and the international community should ask the latter to provide the maps about the mines. Gen Musharraf said Pakistan has the technical capacity to undertake de-mining, But first it has to see the terrain and has to assess what type of mines-lifting measures can be adopted to accomplish the job in Lebanon.

Later, speaking at a luncheon, hosted in his honor by Lebanese Defence Minister Khalil Heraoui at Tyre near Qana, General Musharraf expressed his appreciation of the warm reception extended to him and his delegation.

He said Pakistan would extend its political and diplomatic support to its Arab brothers and Lebanon. He presented a replica of Al-Khalid tank to the Lebanese Defence minister on the occasion.

Later, Gen Pervez Musharraf along with his delegation visited ruins of over 2,000-year-old graves near Tyre. General Musharraf also visited a 200-year-old soap factory in the outskirts of Beirut, which has now been turned, into a museum.

Addressing the Lebanese Chambers of Commerce here Wednesday, Gen Musharraf said geo-economics was the strongest bond to foster relations among the states and the era of extending influence through military means is over.

He said his government would do its best to cement ties between the two countries and strengthen the bonds of trade and commerce. He said during his talks with Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Al-Hariri, they had agreed to identify areas of interest and to find methods of translating them into concrete cooperation.

He also briefed the Lebanese businessmen on the economic agenda of his government, stating that it is focusing on the advancement of agriculture, small and medium industry, energy sector and Information Technology.

President of Lebanese Chambers of Commerce, Adnan Kassar, presented a gift to General Musharraf on the occasion. Adnan Kassar said: "Pakistan is a promising market for Lebanese consumer products. Pakistan's labor and raw materials are inexpensive."

Gen Musharraf also held talks with Lebanese business leaders on Wednesday to boost modest bilateral trade. "Our plan is to import from Lebanon expertise in financial services, real estate development and tourism because we are weak in these areas," Commerce and Industry Minister Razzaq Dawood told Reuters after the meeting.

He said Pakistan aimed to double exports to Lebanon to $20 million next year by including textiles and more agricultural products. Earlier, addressing a banquet at the office of Lebanese Prime Minister, hosted by the latter in his honor late Tuesday night Gen Musharraf expressed Islamabad's readiness for a "serious and result-oriented" dialogue with India, including Kashmiri representatives for settlement of Kashmir.

He called for a just and equitable solution of Kashmir dispute in accordance with the wishes of the Kashmiri people. "We urge the international community to impress upon India to implement the Security Council resolutions, pledging to the Kashmiris their right to self-determination. India must realize that it cannot forcibly keep the people of Kashmir in perpetual subjugation," said General Musharraf. He said the unflinching resolve of the Kashmiri people is unparallel, as they have continued their struggle in face of Indian repression.

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Newspaper: Frontier Post
Article 4: Pakistan backs Lebanon bid to regain occupied lands
Updated on 1/11/2001 9:30:44 AM

BEIRUT (Agencies) - Foreign Minister Abdul Sattar said here Wednesday that Islamabad backed Lebanon's "diplomatic efforts" to "regain" territory still occupied by Israel. Sattar said Lebanon's interim Foreign Minister Mohammad Baydoun "explained to me that despite Israel's troop pullout from southern Lebanon (in May), there was still a lingering problem as part of Lebanon's territory is still occupied." "We are now more sensitive to the issue and we back Lebanon's diplomatic efforts to regain its rights," Sattar told reporters after a meeting with Baydoun.

Since the Israeli withdrawal Lebanon has laid claim to the Sheba Farms area on the border with Syria, with Syrian consent, which Israel captured from Damascus in 1967. Sattar arrived here as part of a large delegation accompanying Chief Executive General Pervez Musharraf on a two day visit to Lebanon, the last leg of a regional tour. Sattar also "denounced the excessive use of force by Israel against the Palestinians." "Concerning the peace process, current views are not very good but we are sure that at the end truth will prevail and that the Palestinian people will have its state with the sacred city of Jerusalem as its capital," he said.

Sattar also expressed "hope that India will answer positively to (Pakistan's) initiative for resolving peacefully the conflict over Kashmir." During his visit in Damascus on Sunday, Musharraf called on India to agree to hold negotiations over the disputed territory. Musharraf held talks earlier Wednesday with Lebanese President Emile Lahoud and was expected visit the southern village of Qana, with its mass grave of 105 civilians killed in an Israeli bombardment in 1996.

Musharraf Tuesday with Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri and oversaw the signature of two agreements, one calling for a reinforcement of bilateral trade and the other promising investment. Lebanon imports some 11 million dollars in Pakistani products each year and sells about one million dollars worth to Pakistan.

Musharraf had also said that Islamabad was ready to help Lebanon with de-mining work in the south of the country, where the Israeli army left more than 130,000 mines during its 22-year occupation.

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CM · Jan 11, 2001, 12:23 PM

Newspaper: Pakistan Observer
Article 5: Offers to de-mine Southern Lebanon - CE condemns Israel's atrocities

BEIRUT-Chief Executive General Pervez Musharraf Wednesday condemned Israeli carnage at QANA Refugee Camp, which had killed 105 innocent men, women and children in 1996.

"Pakistan certainly condemns' these atrocities against innocent civilians by Israeli Occupying forces," he said while talking to reporters soon after offering Fateha at the memorial of those who were killed by Israeli attack.

Israeli attack on UN CANA refugee's camp, 90 km off Beirut, had also injured 300 civilians besides damaging many houses. "Pakistan has always stood by its brothers in their stand for vacation of occupied lands and will always support the Arab cause," said the Chief Executive.

Replying to a question about Beirut and Islamabad cooperation in de-mining the Lebanese borders, he said, no plan had been chalked out as yet in this regard. Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri had asked him on Monday for assisting Lebanon in the de-mining and Pakistan had offered its services for the purpose.

General Musharraf stated that now a team had to be sent from Islamabad to see and assess the degree of the work needed and the type of force required to de-mine the Lebanese border. He said, according to the international norms and agreements, all mines have to be marked and mapped.

He hoped that Israel had applied international principles and would have the maps indicating the presence of the land mines. General Musharraf said Lebanon should demand the map from Israel and the international community should ask the latter to provide the maps about the mines.

General Musharraf said Pakistan has the technical capacity about de-mining. But it has to first see the terrain and has to assess what type of mines-lifting measures can be adopted to accomplish the job in Lebanon.

Later, speaking at a luncheon, hosted in his honor by Lebanese Defence Minister Khalil Heraoui at Tyre near CANA, General Musharraf expressed his appreciation of the warm reception extended to him and his delegation.

He said Pakistan would extend its political and diplomatic support to its Arab brothers and Lebanon. The Chief Executive presented a replica of Al-Khalid tank to the Lebanese Defence minister on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, Lebanese Defence Minister said his visit to Lebanon reaffirmed Beirut's stance to wrest back its rights from Israel. He said his country wanted to cement its relations with Islamabad and Pakistan Armed Forces. He presented a gift to the Chief Executive. Later, General Pervez Musharraf along with his delegation visited ruins of over two thousand years old graves near Tyre.

General Musharraf also visited a two hundred years old soap factory in the outskirts of Beirut, which has now been turned, into a museum. As General Musharraf went through the centuries old alleys, school children and the locals greeted him enthusiastically.

Earlier, Chief Executive General Pervez Musharraf here Wednesday called on President of Lebanon Emile Lahoud and discussed with him matters of mutual interest. The Chief Executive had one-on-one meeting with Lebanese President at his palace here. During the meeting, the two leaders exchanged views him on the regional situation, international issues and bilateral relations.

On Tuesday Chief Executive General Pervez Musharraf has expressed Islamabad's readiness for a "serious and result-oriented" dialogue with India, including Kashmiri representatives for settlement of Kashmir. He was addressing a banquet at the office of Lebanese Prime Minister, hosted by the latter in his honor late Tuesday night. He called for a just and equitable solution of Kashmir dispute in accordance with the wishes of the Kashmiri people.

"We urge the international community to impress upon India to implement the Security Council resolutions, pledging to the Kashmiris their right to self-determination. India must realize that it cannot forcibly keep the people of Kashmir in perpetual subjugation," said General Musharraf. He said the unflinching resolve of the Kashmiri people is unparalleled, as they have continued their struggle in face of Indian repression. The Indian repression in held Kashmir has martyred more than 75,000 Kashmiris during the last decade alone, said the Chief Executive.

General Musharraf said he was encouraged by his talks with Lebanese Prime Minister, which "Have been constructive and productive." He said the two agreements signed between the two sides on Tuesday were the first step in the right direction. He expressed his confidence that fraternal relations between two sides will further grow in the years ahead.
On Afghanistan, General Musharraf said Taliban were a reality and added a lasting peace in Afghanistan could not be ensured unless ground realities were taken into account.

"We are distressed that, instead of recognizing the ground realities, the Security Council has decided to apply additional and discriminatory sanctions against people devastated by two decades of conflict," said General Musharraf. He said this action would deepen the humanitarian tragedy in that country. -APP

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Now this thread is closed.
No discussion.
No more posts.
This is for Archives only.
NO DISCUSSION!!!
NO MORE POSTS ON THIS THREAD!!!!
Thank You.

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CROIRE A L'INCROYABLE

[This message has been edited by CM (edited January 11, 2001).]

**Mursalin** · Jan 11, 2001, 12:28 PM

Now thank you CM for starting this folder with all your heart. I'm afraid my heart has been split between Pakistan and World Affairs at the moment.

People may post more articles if they wish in this folder but generally folders are not discussion threads. You may discuss this topic in the other related thread if you wish.

**Malik73** · Jan 13, 2001, 07:48 PM

http://www.dawn.com/2001/01/13/ed.htm

Ties strengthened

THE Chief Executive's tour of three "front-line" Arab states seems to have ended on a positive note. The series of agreements signed and the unanimity of views expressed by Gen. Pervez Musharraf and the leaders of Syria, Lebanon and Jordan on key issues serve to underline the inherent unity between Pakistan and these Middle Eastern states. The signing of the defence cooperation agreements with Lebanon breaks new ground for Pakistan in the eastern Mediterranean region and takes the relations with these countries to a higher level. In Damascus, particularly, the two sides seemed to have discovered a new sense of direction and warmth as was evident from no less than six agreements signed. These agreements range from cooperation in agriculture to collaboration in news exchanges and science and technology.

With Lebanon Pakistan signed not only a trade agreement but also a declaration on defence cooperation. This was in addition to Pakistan's offer to Lebanon to demine the liberated territory where the Israelis had planted no less than 130,000 land mines. Pakistan has the technical expertise to undertake the task, but, as pointed out by the Chief Executive, demining needed maps which he thought Beirut should get from Tel Aviv. With Jordan, with which it already has defence contacts, Pakistan also signed two agreements on maritime transport and science and technology. As Gen. Musharraf put it, "We are coming closer to each other, and I'm hopeful that we can make a lot of progress through substantial cooperation." At present, the volume of trade between the two countries is a mere twenty million dollars, with Jordan exporting mostly phosphate and potash to Pakistan. One hopes that the deepening of the relationship as a result of the visit would lead to a higher level of two-way trade.

During the Chief Executive's tour, the Pakistan side did well to focus on economic and trade ties. Syria has asked for Pakistan's help in modernizing its industry, while in Jordan Pakistan showed an interest in the special economic zone. With Lebanon, the trade relationship could help both. Even though a small country, Lebanon is known for its expertise in finance, banking and tourism development. Pakistan can learn a lot from Lebanon in these fields, especially tourism where its potential remains largely untapped. More important, Lebanon can serve as a channel for Pakistani goods in the Middle East. Beirut has already reduced tariff barriers considerably, and this should help Pakistan increase its exports to that country. As Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik al-Hariri said, "Lebanon can be used as a base to sell Pakistani products in the Middle East."

One vital aspect of the Chief Executive's Levant visit merits attention. Pakistan's Arab policy has suffered from certain ambiguity. While having close political, economic and defence cooperation with the Gulf countries is essential, this approach has sometimes given an impression as if other Arab states do not matter. This impression must be corrected. The warmth shown by these three states during Gen. Musharraf's visit and the fact that as many as twelve agreements signed show the importance these countries attach to relations with Pakistan. Gen. Musharraf's visit, thus, helped remove a certain degree of imbalance in Pakistan's relations with the Arab world. More important, the visit should be seen against the background of the growing Indo-Israel relationship, focusing on defence, and the consequent chill in Indo-Arab relations.

Pakistan not only shares unbreakable ties of religion and culture with the Arab countries, it considers the Palestinian trauma its own tragedy. For that reason, there is no non-Arab country in the world which has supported the Palestinian and Arab cause the way Islamabad has done. This is because Pakistan's support to the Arab cause is not based on expediency but on enduring and shared moral and spiritual values. One hopes that the deepening effect of the CE's visit on relations with these countries would serve as a base upon which to build further in terms of mutuality of interests and shared concerns and values.

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Folder: CE trip to Syria, Jordon and Lebanon

Folder: CE trip to Syria, Jordon and Lebanon

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