Thursday, May 26 2005 08:18 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Islamabad: The ongoing India-Pak Composite Dialogue process is "irreversible", Pakistan Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz yesterday (May 25, 2005) told visiting US Assistant Secretary of State Christina Rocca, and apprised her of Islamabad's invitation to Hurriyat leaders to visit the country.

They also discussed Pakistan-US strategic relations and the delivery of F-16 aircraft.

During the talks, Aziz told Rocca that Pakistan remained committed to the Composite Dialogue process with India and the dialogue process is "irreversible", an official press release issued after the talks in Islamabad stated.

While various Confidence Building Measures (CBM) had contributed to the improvement of atmospherics, progress with India in different areas will have to move in tandem with progress on the Kashmir issue, Aziz said.

Aziz said President Pervez Musharraf played a very important role in talks with India and had demonstrated great courage and flexibility and hoped that the Indian side would reciprocate. He also apprised Rocca of Pakistan's invitation to Hurriyat leaders to visit the country by the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus on June 2.

For her part, Rocca welcomed a positive role being played with respect to India. She said the US values its relations with Pakistan, specially the cooperation extended on the global war against terrorism, which was highly appreciated by the US as well as the international community, the release said.

Rocca assured continued US cooperation to strengthen Pakistan's security and increase in economic and trade relations.

Rocca, who arrived on a three-day visit to Pakistan yesterday, would be meeting President Musharraf today (May 26, 2005). Also for the first time, she was expected to meet a delegation of leaders of the Islamist alliance Muthahida Majlis Amal (MMA) today.

Besides the India-Pak issues, Aziz also discussed matters relating to Defence, economic and trade relations with Rocca.

He welcomed US decision to sell F-16 aircraft to Pakistan saying that it would contribute towards meeting Pakistan's legitimate Defence needs. He also urged Rocca to help get more foreign direct investment to Pakistan to help the country's economy to pick up.

Rocca earlier held talks with Pakistan Foreign Secretary Riaz Ahmed Khan.

Ahead of her arrival, Pakistan said it would be taking up the allegation of desecration of holy Quran by US security personnel at the Guantanamo Bay prison.