Kasuri describe IPI as pipeline of peace

Islamabad, Apr 5 (UNI) Pakistan Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri today described the Iran-Pakistan-India (IPI) gas pipeline project as the ''pipeline of peace'', which would have a ''stabilizing influence'' in the region.

''The project will turn out to be a pipeline of peace,'' Mr Kasuri said while talking to his Iranian counterpart Manouchehr Mottaki over the phone.

India and Pakistan have often reiterated they would go ahead with the 7.4 billion dollar project despite the US opposition, as they need energy to fuel robust economic growth.

The two countries discussed proposals on transit fee and transportation cost at the meeting of the joint working group in Islamabad in February and agreed to exchange the drafts on the gas price agreement, joint declaration and framework agreement at the earliest.

These drafts and other documents would be finalised by the end of April for a technical review during the group's meeting slated for May.

Mr Kasuri also congratulated Mr Mottaki on the Iranian decision to release 15 British sailors and termed it a ''statesman-like decision'' by Iran President Mehmud Ahmedinejad.

UNI