Cheney vows incessant US help to quake victims
F-16s deal likely to get final shape next year
By Our Special Correspondent

ISLAMABAD—President General Pervez Musharraf and US Vice President Dick Cheney Tuesday expressed a firm resolve to further consolidate multi-faceted ties between the two countries. Meeting at the Aiwan-e-Sadr for more than an hour, the two leaders expressed satisfaction over existing bilateral political and economic relations. They also discussed regional and international issues of mutual concern. Vice President Cheney expressed United States’ solidarity and support over October 8 earthquake catastrophe and said Washington would continue to assist Pakistan in its rebuilding efforts in the quake zone.
He conveyed sorrow and grief over colossal losses on behalf of President George W Bush and the American nation. President Musharraf expressed Pakistan’s gratitude to the US for extending timely help in the aftermath of the natural disaster. He said the US Chinook helicopters were critical in stepping up rescue and relief operations. Upon arrival, President Musharraf warmly welcomed the American leader. Later, President Musharraf hosted a luncheon in honour of the visiting US leader, which was also attended by Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz. Dick Cheney, later, left for quake-affected areas to witness the scale of damage and express solidarity with the survivors.
Our Diplomatic Correspondent adds: Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri Tuesday said Pakistan would take a final decision on the purchase of F-16 aircraft by next year, after studying the needs for reconstruction of quake devastated areas and international assistance it has received. Talking to newsmen here at Chaklala Air base after seeing-off the US Vice President Dick Cheney, who was here on a day-long visit, he said, the government would complete its assessment by next year and take the final decison.
He said the estimates would take into account the expected expenditures on the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the quake-affected areas and the international assistance the country received for the Oct 8 earthquake. Kasuri said only then the country would decide about the number of aircraft it would acquire and when. The Minister said Pakistan could not ignore its defence requirements but added that due to the October 8 earthquake Pakistan did not enter the deal for F-16 aircraft as provision of relief was the first priority for the government.
Commenting on the visit of US Vice President Dick Cheney, he said though it was a short visit but was reflective of very strong Pak-US ties. He said during his visit, the US Vice President discussed in detail with President Musharraf bilateral ties, matters of mutual cooperation, besides exchanging views on regional and international issues. Kasuri said both the leaders discussed Pak-USA relations, help and assistance of America in the relief efforts after october 8 earthquake.
He said Iraq, Afghanistan, Pak-India relations, Kashmir and the composite dialogue between Pakistan and India were also discussed during the meeting. Kasuri said Pakistan explained the measures taken for the solution of Kashmir issue and told the Vice President that Kashmir issue should be resolved through peaceful means, according to the wishes of Kashmiris. The President hosted a luncheon reception which was also attended by Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz. Kasuri said the visit of US Vice President would promote bilateral relations between the two countries. He said Pakistan appreciated the American help and cooperation for the quake victims.