Top Chinese envoy in Pak to help defuse tensions with India

Islamabad, Dec 29 (PTI) A top Chinese envoy, despatched
to Pakistan to help defuse tensions with India in the
aftermath of the Mumbai attacks, has said the prevailing
situation is not in the interest of both countries.

Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister He Yafei, who will hold
consultations with the top leadership of its 'all weather
ally', stressed the need for maintaining peace and stability
in South Asia, the Daily Times newspaper reported.

Yafei, who Sunday met Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir
called on India and Pakistan to work together to defuse the
heightened tensions.

He was told by his interlocutors that Pakistan is ready
to carry out a joint investigation into the Mumbai attacks and
will take action against anyone found involved in the
terrorist incident if New Delhi shared evidence with
Islamabad, the paper said.

The Chinese minister also spoke to Foreign Minister Shah
Mahmood Qureshi on phone and is scheduled to meet him Monday.

He is also expected to meet President Asif Zardari and
Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani.

Over the past few days, China has stepped up efforts to
defuse tensions between Pakistan and India. The Chinese
minister has assured his interlocutors that his country will
remain in close contact with Pakistan in pursuance of peace
and stability. PTI RHL
AM