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US, Pakistan review security in south Asia

The United States and Pakistan have reviewed the security situation in south Asia and expressed the need for joint efforts by the two countries to promote durable peace and stability in the region.

According to a joint statement issued in Islamabad yesterday after the eighth round of talks between the US and Pakistan, the former expressed its strong support for the current talks between Pakistan and India, including that on the Kashmir issue.

The two sides considered further steps to advance the objectives of the dialogue. They agreed to hold more meetings on export controls and strategic restraints in March and April.

The two sides also agreed to remain in close touch during negotiations on the Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty. But Pakistan reiterated its position on the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty.

The joint statement recalled that ''this round of talks was held following Prime Minister Nawaz Sharief's visit to Washington in December which had resulted in a reaffirmation of a desire by Pakistan and the US to build a strong broad-based relationship between the two countries.

In this context, Deputy Secretary of State Strobe Talbott emphasised continued US support to strengthen Pakistan's economy and to improve the climate for larger trade and investment. Pakistan expressed its appreciation for the support the US extended to ensure assistance packages from the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank for Pakistan.

According to the joint statement, the next round of the dialogue will be held before the middle of the year with the dates and venue to be determined in consultation between the two sides.

Earlier in the day, Talbott called on Sharief and conveyed US President Bill Clinton's greetings.

According to an official release, the Pakistan prime minister, recalling his meeting with Clinton in December, reiterated his satisfaction at the results of his visit to Washington.

He also expressed appreciation that the F-16 issue had been amicably resolved, that the IMF and the World Bank had renewed assistance packages for Pakistan and the Paris Club had rescheduled Pakistan's official debt following the partial removal of US sanctions.

Sharief also emphasised Pakistan's desire for durable peace and stability in the region.

UNI

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