ISLAMABAD, June 29: The two US senators, Sam Brownback and Charles Robb, today held discussions with Pakistani Foreign Minister, Gohar Ayub Khan in an attempt to ``ease tension'' in south Asia. They later will visit the Line of Control (LoC) where the firing from both the sides has intensified in recent days. Pakistan alleges that Indian troops indulged in ``unprovoked firing'' from across the LoC on the civilian population killing nearly 25 people during last one week.``We had some very good initial discussions,'' Senator Brownback said in a statement after his meeting with the Pakistani foreign minister adding that their main objective is to listen and begin dialogue on the new chapter between United States and Pakistani leadership.
Senator Robb also said they had ``candid exchange of views'' with the foreign minister adding that they would be visiting the LoC. The US senators will also meet Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Finance Minister Sartaj Aziz during their stay in Pakistan.
The senator saidthemain reason for coming to Pakistan is to begin dialogue that will help establish relationship benefitting both countries and ``ultimately ease tensions in the region''. Both the senators, who are the key members of the US senat's sub-committee on near east and south Asia, arrived in Pakistan last evening after meeting the Indian authorities in New Delhi.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
