M A I N   N E W S

China endorses Musharraf govt

BEIJING, Jan 17 (PTI) — China today offered much-needed backing to Pakistan’s military government declaring that it would continue to foster its “comprehensive partnership” with Islamabad irrespective of changes taking place internationally or domestically.

The Chinese backing came during a meeting here between its Premier Zhu Rongji and visiting Pakistani military ruler General Pervez Musharraf, who is here on a two-day official visit, his first outside the Islamic world after taking over reins of power in a coup on October 12 last.

Mr Zhu welcomed Gen Musharraf as “the first important guest of the new millennium” and said “no matter what changes occur internationally or domestically, the Chinese Government will continue to foster its comprehensive partnership with Pakistan.”

“The internal affairs of a country should and must be handled by its own people, which is not only the core of the five principles of co-existence, but also a basic policy China has steadfastly pursued and carried out in handling relations between different countries,” the state-run Xinhua news agency quoted Mr Zhu as saying.

He, however, hoped that the new Pakistan government would “properly handle various issues facing the country and will have more understanding and support from the international community.

“China and Pakistan are neighbours who have long peacefully co-existed with each other, and China treasures the friendship which has withstood the test of time,” Mr Zhu was quoted as saying by Xinhua.

Gen Musharraf, leading a high-level delegation, said “Pakistan is a country that loves peace, and will contribute to peace and stability in South Asia.”

Earlier, Gen Musharraf on his arrival termed China as a “trusted friend” and said during his two-day stay here he would discuss with Chinese leaders the security situation and various steps taken by Islamabad to bring peace and stability in the region.

General Musharraf saw a ‘serious’ role for the USA in the Kashmir issue and ensuring peace and security in South Asia, a leading official Chinese newspaper reported.

“We believe the USA can make a serious contribution to establishment of peace and security in the region and expedite a just and fair settlement of the Kashmir problem in accordance with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people,” General Musharraf told official China Daily.

He said Pakistan desired friendly and cooperative ties with all countries of the world including the USA.

“In the past, we have welcomed international efforts aimed at reducing tension and initiating a meaningful dialogue between Pakistan and India in order to resolve contentious issues, including the core issue of Kashmir,” he said.

During the interview, he Pakistan’s support to Kashmiri militants and accused India of failing to respond to Islamabad’s initiatives to reduce tension.

“We shall continue our unflinching moral, political and diplomatic support to our Kashmiri brethren in their struggle to achieve self-determination,” he said.

He claimed to have initiated an important step to reduce military presence along Pakistan’s borders with India.

“It is unfortunate, but not surprising that India has failed to respond positively to our gesture and has instead embarked on a vilification campaign against the new government.