Islamabad, May 18: US President George Bush would host Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf in Camp David on June 24 instead of the white house to give "more prominence" to him. The change of venue was aimed to indicate the importance United States attaches to its relations with Pakistan, local daily 'Dawn' quoted officials in Washington as saying.

Musharraf was expected to arrive in New York on the evening of June 20 from London. But his arrival could be delayed if he goes to Paris on his way to Washington.

But if he directly goes to US on June 20, he may spend two days in Boston with his son before going to Washington on June 23, it said.
Musharraf spends few days with his son every time he visits the US. However his visit to Boston could be cut short if he visits France, the officials said.

The venue for Bush-Musharraf meeting has been changed after the just concluded visit of Pakistan foreign minister, Khurshid Muhammad Kasuri to Washington.

A host of issues including the new peace initiatives between India and Pakistan, the steps being initiated by Pakistan to stop cross border infiltration and the crackdown on Taliban and al-Qaeda militants in Pakistan as well as the stalemate between Musharraf and the opposition were expected to figure in the Bush-Musharraf talks, the daily said.

Bureau Report