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Musharraf in Iran, harps on brotherly ties

Pakistani military ruler General Pervez Musharraf arrived in Teheran last night and called for the removal of irritants, if any, in the way of boosting relations with Iran.

"Relations are very strong and must be strengthened," he said soon after landing at Teheran airport, accompanied by his Foreign Minister Abdul Sattar.

Media reports said the aim of Musharraf's visit was to forge a new understanding between the two countries and address various issues of mutual concern. This is Musharraf's third visit to the region since he seized power in a bloodless coup on October 12. He has already visited Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait and Turkey during his previous two trips.

"Although there have been ups and downs in our relations I feel that efforts should be made to ensure that we always have ups and there should be no downs in the relations. We have to iron out the differences of opinion and have a brotherly vision," he was quoted as saying.

Musharraf said he would seek the support of the Iranian leadership for recent developments in Pakistan, describing it as the basic purpose of his visit.

On Afghanistan, he called for joint Pakistan-Iran efforts to restore peace in the war-torn country. He sought to dispel the impression that the two countries had major differences on the Afghan issue. "It is not a major difference because we have agreements in major areas. So the minor issues, the tactical issues, as how to bring about peace should be discussed like brothers and we must agree to a methodology to peace," he added.

In an interview with the Iranian television, Musharraf blamed foreign hands for sectarianism in Pakistan. However, it was Pakistan's own problem and the government would solve it in accordance with its own requirements, he said.

The menace of terrorism would have to be eradicated. Pakistan never before faced the sectarian problem of such a magnitude. Some vested interests and some foreign hands had created this problem, he alleged.

Musharraf also commented on the killings of some Iranians in Pakistan in recent years. "It is the work of some extremists which damages the ties but these minor problems should not damage our friendly relations," he added.

During the course of his visit, Musharraf will meet Iranian President Mohammed Khatami and spiritual leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Yesterday, he paid a brief visit to Bahrain and held talks with its leaders on regional and international issues.

Musharraf hailed the relations between the two countries, describing them as excellent. "Frequent consultations and contacts between our two countries are an important feature of our relationship," he said.

UNI

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