Pakistan for peace and normalcy in Iraq

Islamabad, June 24 (UNI) Pakistan has said it desires to see normalcy returning to Iraq and Iraqis taking full control of their affairs.

''No one expects foreign troops to stay in Iraq indefinitely and they will be expected to leave as soon as the situation in Iraq becomes more secure,'' Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson Tasnim Aslam said in a statement issued last night.

She was commenting on a statement by US Vice President Dick Cheney that withdrawal of foreign troops from Iraq could, among other things, cause instability in Pakistan.

The spokesperson said Pakistan's position on the situation in Iraq was well-known and added ''Pakistan lays great hope in the Iraqi political process.'' Ms Aslam said the grave security situation in Iraq was a matter of deep concern to its neighbour and also to the world.

''There can be no denying that the international community desires to see an early end to the conflict in Iraq,'' she said.

She said Pakistan has countered the problem of ''terrorism with determination'' and ''brought it under control''.

''Indeed, our strong resolve to fight terrorism and our success in this regard have strengthened the stability in our region,'' Ms Aslam said.

UNI XC PA DS1530