Washington, Jan 31: US President George W Bush held
informal talks with Pakistan foreign minister Khurshid Mahmud
Kasuri during which he "acknowledged" Islamabad's support in
the fight against international terrorism.
Bush dropped by when Kasuri was holding talks with us
National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice at the white house
yesterday.
"The president acknowledged the contribution of Pakistan
to war against terrorism," Kasuri told reporters after the
meeting.
Kasuri said he also told bush that Pakistan expected a
violent domestic backlash if us attacked Iraq without UN
approval.
Kasuri, who is here to press American authorities to go
"soft" on Pakistani nationals regarding their registration
under immigration and naturalisation services, also held talks
with Vice President Dick Cheney covering bilateral and
regional issues, including Indo-Pak relations.
"The two sides discussed various aspects of bilateral
relations. Cheney reaffirmed us political and economic
commitment to Pakistan. He said that the bush administration
is engaged in a long-term and enduring relationship with
Pakistan," Deputy Chief of Pakistan embassy in Washington,
Mohammed Sadiq, said.
Kasuri also called for us involvement in bringing about a
structured dialogue between India and Pakistan, Ssadiq said.
Bureau Report
