'Osama is Alive': Musharraf Vows to Smash Terrorism
Pakistan Times Foreign Desk

THE HAGUE (The Netherlands): President General Pervez Musharraf says that technical and human intelligence evidence suggests strongly that world’s most wanted man Osama bin Laden is alive but he had no clue of his whereabouts. “I wish I had known where he was,” said Musharraf.

Addressing a joint press conference with Dutch Acting Prime Minister after his bilateral talks in The Hague he called upon the developed world to take concrete measures to address scourge of terrorism through resolving political issues confronting the Muslims with justice.

Military action to eradicate terrorism must continue but at the same time the developed world particularly the US should also adopt a comprehensive strategy to address the political issues confronting the Muslims and steps for poverty eradication. “It’s the only way to address the issue successfully, “ he said.

Leading Role by Pakistan

He said Pakistan is playing a leading role on war against terrorism and it has done much more than the whole world.

The President said we had held very cordial, useful and constructive talks with acting Dutch Prime Minister Zalm on various issues. The President said we discussed ways and means to further strengthen our bilateral ties in all fields particularly in trade, commerce, economy and investment.

Defends Wana Operation

To a question, Pervez Musharraf strongly defended Wana operation saying action is being taken against foreign terrorists in that area and we have achieved positive results there. He said the government is working successfully on a two-pronged strategy to wipe out terrorists from our soil.

Military never strikes on our own people . It only strikes on foreign elements after having a concrete evidence” he said.

Dutch PM's Optimism

Speaking on the occasion the Dutch Prime Minister Mr Zalm expressed the confidence that bilateral relations with Pakistan and Holland will further grow with the visit of the President. He hoped that his visit will also help in increasing Dutch direct investment in Pakistan.

He expressed satisfaction over the pace of Pak-India dialogue and hoped that the dialogue will lead towards lasting peace and stability in the region.

Clashes between Civilizations

Later, addressing the members of the Dutch Parliament in the Hague, General Pervez Musharraf said Pakistan can play a strategic role to develop understanding within Muslims and western world and prevent clashes between civilizations.

He said the world has become our dangerous place to live in due to scourge and terrorism and there is need to take immediate measures to address these issues to make the earth a peaceful place.

Turning to progress in Pakistan-India dialogue the President expressed optimism about the future of this process. He said there is sincerity and desire on both sides to move forward to resolve all outstanding issues.

Of Afghanistan

On Afghanistan, he said, Pakistan fully supports the Bonn process and will extend all possible support to the Afghan government to hold elections in that country.

He also highlighted the political and economic reforms in Pakistan and said now we are on way to political and economic stability. He said we are working to divert the benefits of micro-economic stability towards the masses to improve their social-economic condition. He said; 'we believe in democracy.'

Custodial Control on Nukes

The President categorically stated that Pakistan has complete custodial control on its nuclear weapon programme through its strategic control system and assured the Parliament that Pakistan will never allow any nuclear proliferation in future.

The Chairman of the Lower House Bweisglas in his welcome address appreciated Pakistan economic and political reforms and his stand in war on terrorism.

EU: Major Trade Partner

Musharraf said, although EU is a major trade partner of Pakistan but there is yet need to further expand these relations.

The President also held separate meetings with the President of the Senate, Mrs Timmerman and President of the House of Representatives and discussed matters of mutual interest with them.

Pakistan-Netherlands Accord

Pakistan and Netherlands signed an agreement on social security benefits in the Hague, in Holland on Monday.

Under the agreement Pakistani community residing in Holland will be able to receive social security benefits in Pakistan.

The agreement is first of its nature which has been signed by the Netherlands with any Asian country. It will go a long way in resolving the difficulties of the Pakistani community in Holland.

The Fruits

With the implementation of this agreement, Pakistani nationals will enjoy the same benefits as those from the EU zone countries, Australia, Canada, Morocco, Turkey and the United States who are entitled to receive social security benefits in their own countries on retirement or disability.

The Social Security agreement will apply not only to the beneficiary but also to the members of the family as long as they reside in either of the two countries.

President General Pervez Musharraf and acting Prime Minister Gerrit Zalm witnessed the signing ceremony that was held ahead of their formal talks.

Official Welcome

Official welcome ceremony for President Pervez Musharraf was held at the Royal Palace at The Hague where he was received by the Queen Beatrix.

The President and the First Lady Begum Sehba Musharraf were greeted at the palace gate by the Queen.

National anthems of the two countries were played. The President inspected the guard of honour.

The Queen introduced members of the Royal household to the President and the First Lady. The President also introduced members of his delegation to the Queen.

One-on-One Talks

Later, the President and Queen Beatrix held one-on-one meeting which lasted for about half an hour during which the two sides discussed bilateral relations and other regional and global issues of mutual interest.

President Musharraf apprised the Dutch leadership of the dialogue process between Pakistan and India and a string of confidence-building measures and the recent steps taken by the two countries to normalise their ties.

He also highlighted the importance of long-standing Kashmir dispute in the Pakistan-India relations and need for its resolution to ensure lasting peace in the region.

The Dutch Prime Minister appreciated efforts by Pakistan and India to find a negotiated settlement of their outstanding disputes, including the core Kashmir dispute.●