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Clinton announces visit to Pakistan

Ignoring India's objections, the White House has announced that President Bill Clinton will visit Pakistan during his South Asia tour, beginning March 20.

A statement, issued by the White House yesterday, said, ''President Clinton has accepted an invitation to visit Pakistan as part of his upcoming visit to South Asia.

''The President expects to address a number of issues of common concern with Pakistan's leaders. These include a return to civilian, democratic rule, the need to fight terrorism, and measures to avoid a nuclear and missile arms race and prevent conflict in the region,'' it said.

It said, ''The President's decision reflects the importance of making efforts to continue dialogue with an important nation of the region, despite our serious concern about the lack of an elected government there.''

It said the US was working with the government of Pakistan regarding particulars of the visit .

Clinton will travel to India and Bangladesh in the week beginning March 20. The White House did not give a date for the Pakistan visit.

Plans for visiting Pakistan were put in abeyance following a military coup in that country on October 12 last which ousted elected Prime Minister Nawaz Sharief.

UNI

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