Pakistan to welcome ex-Afghan King's envoy: Spokesman
 Islamabad, Oct 6, IRNA -- Pakistan would welcome any move former Afghan King Zahir Shah could play any role to bring about national reconciliation, Foreign Office spokesman Riaz Muhammad Khan said Saturday.

"If the former King sends a delegation to Pakistan it would be well received," Foreign Office spokesman Riaz Muhammad Khan told reporters in Islamabad.

He emphasised that there should be a government that is able to bring about peace in Afghanistan. He said the subject was also discussed in meeting between Pakistan President and the British Prime Minister.

To a question he said there is a possibility of another U.S. delegation's visit to Pakistan.

He said in the immediate perspective there is the question of punishing and bringing to justice those who perpetrated crime on September 11. He said as extremism breeds in an environment of injustice, humiliation and desperation, there is need to address these causes as well.

The spokesman pointed out that while Pakistan witnessed the moments of horror on September 11, millions are experiencing almost daily the pain and suffering inflicted by repression on people who are suffering from injustice.

He said Pakistan's position on terrorism issue is based on principles. "It opposes terrorism in all its forms and manifestations including state-sponsored terrorism".

"While deploring incidents of violence against Muslims in the West, the spokesman appreciated that the governments and civil society in these countries for appeals for communal harmony".

He told another questioner that the British Prime Minister's visit to Pakistan had `restored complete normalcy in our bilateral relations and Pak-British defense cooperation is one aspect of them'.

He said Turkey has offered its wholehearted support to Pakistan in dealing with the current situation.

Turkish Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Sukru Gurel met President General Pervez Musharraf and delivered a letter from Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit for the President.

Riaz Muhammad Khan said that the letter and the visit were to convey solidarity of Turkey, which has been Pakistan's close friend, in the current situation.

Mr. Sukru Gurel conveyed the commitment of Turkey to stand by Pakistan and offer whatever help Pakistan may need.

During his meeting with the Pakistan Foreign Minister, the Turkish Minister informed him that Pakistan's worries were Turkey's worries.

He said Turkey fully appreciated and supported the position taken by Pakistan in the fight against terrorism.

The spokesman said Pakistan has the greatest stake in peace and stability in Afghanistan as it is hosting 2.5 million refugees.