Aziz and Musharraf condole with SA leaders

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz and President Pervez Musharraf on Wednesday condoled with leaders of South Asian countries hit by tidal waves.

Aziz telephoned Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh to condole with him on the tragic loss of life and property in India.

Aziz said the news of the tragedy, which struck parts of South Asia and Southeast Asia, was received by the people of Pakistan with shock and sorrow.

Mr Aziz emphasised concerted regional and international response and attention to meet the challenge. He said Pakistan was ready to offer any assistance that India might need to overcome the loss. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh thanked Mr Aziz for calling and supporting relief efforts. Mr Singh said this gracious gesture would go a long way towards promoting relations between Pakistan and India.

Meanwhile, Maldives President Mamoon Abdul Gayoom phoned Aziz to seek Pakistan’s assistance in relief operations. Aziz told him that a plane carrying relief goods would be sent to Maldives on Thursday. President Gayoom praised the Pakistan Navy for saving the lives of nearly 400 stranded people struck by tidal waves and requested the naval ship extend its stay in Maldives to help in search and rescue operations. Aziz accepted his request.

Earlier Aziz told journalists that Pakistan would dispatch relief goods to affected countries including India.

“I have contacted the Indian prime minister will contact leaders of the other countries hit by the deadliest tsunamis,” he said.

President Musharraf telephoned his Indonesian counterpart Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to offer his condolences on the loss of life in Indonesia. “The government and the people of Pakistan share the sorrow and grief of their Indonesian brethren at this difficult moment,” he said.

President Musharraf offered all possible assistance in relief operations. agencies

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