|
|
|||||||||
|
PR. No. 28. Mr. Seiji Kojima, Japanese Ambassador in Pakistan called on Finance Minister, Syed Naveed Qamar here today. Finance Minister apprised the Japanese Ambassador about GoP’s concept clearance on Pre-Budget preparations along with other development related economic initiatives. Both the sides discussed institutional economic framework of their respective countries. Finance Minister stated that Pakistan currently is passing through the most challenging time since the democratic government took over and special measures are underway to reform the national economy. Pakistan would continue to be a priority in the Japanese Government’s global economic preferences, Finance Minister said. Japanese Government currently is in the process of discussion with GoP’s Economic Affairs Division on forthcoming programme-based financial support to Pakistan through bilateral consultations which is based on the principle of need analysis leading to subsequent financial assistance, Japanese Ambassador added. Government of Japan is taking keen interest in positively reviewing size of Japanese economic assistance to Pakistan. Particular emphasis would be laid on infrastructure development in the country, focusing highways, communication and alike, it was agreed. Both the countries need to address the current upward spiral in international market oil prices that potentially is impacting the developing countries growth, it was bilaterally discussed. IH/*-Ahmad-*
PR. No. 29. Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi phoned his Danish counterpart Per Stig Moller to express sorrow and grief at the loss of life and property as a result of the bomb blast near the Danish Embassy in Islamabad. Foreign Minister Qureshi strongly condemned the attack and termed terrorism as a scourge that is threatening the whole human society. He assured Foreign Minister Moller that people responsible for this wanton act of terrorism will be brought to justice and this highly regrettable act will further strengthen Pakistan’s resolve to fight extremism and terrorism. Foreign Minister Qureshi informed his Danish counterpart that Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir visited the Danish Embassy immediately after the incident to meet the Danish Charge d’ Affaires. Foreign Minister Moller thanked the Government of Pakistan for expressing solidarity with Denmark and Danish Mission in Islamabad. He suggested that a Danish delegation would visit Islamabad to meet the Danish diplomats and condole over the death of Pakistan nationals in the terrorist attack on the Embassy. Foreign Minister Qureshi assured him that the Government of Pakistan would welcome the visit of the proposed delegation and would provide all possible assistance to it during its stay in Pakistan. Earlier the Foreign Minister telephoned Danish Charge d’ Affaires to condemn the attack and express solidarity with the Danish Mission. SMA/-Ahmad-
PR. No. 30. Following are the condolence messages from the President, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to their Danish counterparts regarding the terrorist incidence outside the Danish Embassy: Message from the President Quote Your Majesty, On behalf of the people of Pakistan and my own behalf I wish to convey to Your Majesty our sentiments of deep grief and distress at the terrorist incident in Islamabad that has caused considerable damage to the Danish Embassy and resulted in the loss of precious human lives and injuries to innocent people. We strongly condemn this act of terrorism, which has deeply troubled the entire nation. I would like to assure you that this incident has further fortified our resolve to combat and eliminate the evil and dark forces that have unleashed senseless violence. We are also determined to bring the perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice. I wish to convey to you and the people of Denmark our sincere sympathies and regret. Please accept, Your Majesty, the assurances of my highest consideration. (Pervez Musharraf) President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Her Majesty Margrethe-lI, Queen of the Royal Kingdom of Denmark, Copenhagen Unquote
PR. No. 31. Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that the public sector development plan for the year 2008-2009 would focus on manufacturing and agriculture sectors in order to enhance economic activity in the country. The Prime Minister said this while talking to Mian Manzoor Watto, Advisor to Prime Minister on Industry and Production, who called on him at the Prime Minister’s Secretariat this morning. The Prime Minister said that the government’s economic strategy should remain focused on creating an enabling environment for both domestic and foreign investments. He asked the Advisor to develop an appropriate strategy to tap the full potential of investment opportunities in Pakistan to improve the investment climate and enable the investors to work in an investor’s friendly environment. The Prime Minister said that Pakistan’s location makes it a regional hub of manufacturing and exports in view of the availability of skilled labour, low cost of production and a liberal and attractive regime of investment incentives. The Prime Minister said that his government is committed to providing basic necessities to the people particularly the poor segments of the society. Mian Manzoor Watto informed the Prime Minister about the steps being taken by his Ministry to encourage the business community to invest in various sectors of the national economy. He also briefed the Prime Minister about the important role being played by the Utility Stores Corporation (USC) in providing essential food items to the poor masses at an affordable price. He said that the USC has planned to open utility stores in every union council and their role would be further expanded in the future to meet the demands of underdeveloped areas of the country. Ahmad-
PR. No. 32. Federal Minister for SAFRAN & Sports, Mr. Najmuddin Khan has said that Pakistan values close cooperative relations with the US and stable, broad-based and long term relationship is in the interest of both countries. He said this while holding meeting with US Ambassador, Anne W. Petterson; here today. 2. He went on to say that we appreciated US support in economic, defence and social development fields and also look forward to US support in strengthening its energy security. The Minister further mentioned that US pledge of $ 750 million (5-years) for FATA Development is very positive step which would be go long way in the development of these remote and far-flung areas. 3. The Ambassador of US mentioned that US is going to establish Reconstruction Opportunity Zones (ROZs) and the draft of ROZs legislation has been introduced in the Senate and it would be helpful to create job and economic opportunities for the people to wean away from extremism. She also said that US would help Pakistan in repatriation of Afghan Refugees to their home land. 4. They agreed that we should look forward to continue efforts for promoting bilateral cooperation in diverse fields’ socioeconomic development projects in the FAT A and border regions. ZU/Ahmad-
PR. No. 33. Chairman Senate, Mr. Mohammedmian Soomro has expressed his deep grief and sorrow over the passing away of a renowned leader of UAE Sh. Nasr Al-Nayhan, brother of UAE President, Sh. Khalifa Bin Zayed Al-Nayhan in a helicopter crash over Gulf Waters today. In his message of condolence to the UAE President and other members of the Royal family, the Senate Chairman said that Sh. Nasr Al-Nayhan enjoyed wide respect among the Pakistanis as he was a great well wisher of Pakistan. The services rendered by him for the brotherly people of Pakistan in various fields will be long remembered, added the Senate Chairman. Mr. Mohammedmian Soomro prayed to Allah Almighty to shower His blessings on the departed soul and grant patience to the members of the bereaved Royal family to bear the great loss with equanimity. SM/Ahmad
PR. No. 34. The Senate Standing Committee on Education has emphasized the role of higher education in the national development and observed that more funds should be allocated in the education sector for improving the standard of education at higher level which could ultimately pave the way for socio-economic well being of the country. The Committee, which met at the Parliament House today with Senator Mrs. Razina Alam Khan in the Chair, was given a detailed briefing on the midterm review of development and recurring budget of the Higher Education Commission (HEC). The Committee was of the view that the mid-term review would be helpful in taking an appraisal of the utilization of funds on various projects and other necessary development initiatives alongwith removal of various hurdles in the release of funds. The Committee opposed the proposal to give a cut in the recurring grant of the HEC and observed that such a cut would have direct impact on the development side and would affect the enrollment and faculty development at higher levels. The Committee was of the unanimous view that the cut in the recurring grant would block the efforts of HEC to cater to the needs of the universities throughout the country. It was of the view that the HEC required more funds on both the developments and the recurring side to improve the standards of the Higher education in the country and to produce world class universities and teachers. It was noticed that as a result of the positive steps taken by the HEC, three universities of the country have been enlisted as best universities and that funding its various projects would help the universities to improve faculties of various universities to international stature. Earlier, the Chairman Higher Education Commission (HEC) in his briefing informed the Committee about the budgetary position of various projects launched by the HEC in the country to give a boost to the Education at higher level. He disclosed that there was a short fall of Rs. 3-billion on the recurring side, which could bring negative impact on the working and performance of the universities and also affect the development side. The meeting was attended by Senators Mrs. Tahira Latif, Syed Tahir Hussain Mashhadi, Dr. Muhammad Said and Prof. Muhammad Ibrahim Khan. The Chairman (HEC), Prof. Dr. Ata-ur-Rehman and senior officials of the HEC were also present. SM/Ahmad
PR. No. 35. The Ministry of Science of Technology has made a presentation to the Senate Standing Committee on Science & Technology at the Parliament House today on its overall budgetary position and detail of expenditures made so far for (Recurring as well as development during the current financial year). It was informed that;
The Chairperson, Senators Mrs. Razina Alam Khan and members of the Committee observed that the funds utilization capacity of the Ministry and organizations under its administrative control must be increased. They said their linkages with the industrial and agricultural sectors alongwith the respective Chambers of Commerce are absolutely vital for overall economic development of the country. The Committee praised the performance of PCSIR saying that it has undergone tremendous improvement over the years. A number of members of the Committee opined that the nation is pinning great hopes on the Ministry of Science & Technology adding that it has the potential to transform the fate of an average Pakistani by helping in areas so vital to our survival like energy and agriculture. “The on-going research must benefit an average citizen of the country so that his sufferings are alleviated”. The Committee stressed the need for development of indigenous technologies and asked the Ministry not to sign any agreement in future without ensuring transfer of technology to the country. It also called for greater coordination among research institutes, which should try to generate funds on their own. The Committee assured its continued support to the Ministry of Science & Technology to achieve its goals and objectives especially for promoting quality research and helping the industry. It urged an integrated approach and broader futuristic vision to hasten our transition to economic prosperity. The Chairperson welcomed the new Secretary, M/o S&T and lauded the services of the outgoing Secretary, Mr. Pervaiz But. She also commended the role of the outgoing Chairman PCSIR, Dr. Javaid Arshad Mirza. Presided over by Senator Mrs. Razina Alam Khan, the meeting was attended, among others, by Senators Prof. Muhammad Ibrahim Khan, Dr. Muhammad Said and Mrs. Rehana Yahya Baloch besides senior officials of the Ministry of Science & Technology. SM/Ahmad
PR. No. 36. National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) organized a conference of District Coordination Officers / Deputy Commissioners of disaster prone areas of Punjab, Sindh, Baluchistan, NWFP, AJK and Northern Areas to discuss the operationalization of Disaster Management Structure at district level and formulation of strategies and programmes for disaster risk reduction at grass root level. In the conference impediments in the operationalization of District Disaster Management Authorities and remedial measures to overcome these problems were discussed. Mr. Rehamn Malik Advisor to Prime Minister on interior affairs was the chief guest at the occasion. In his address Mr Malik highlighted the commitment of elected govt. to disaster management regime under the existing law on the subject and indicated the resolve of federal govt in putting in place the institutional arrangements for disaster risk reduction at grass root level through district governments. He said that this conference is a significant step forward in developing disaster management structure at district level. Mr Malik appreciated the efforts of NDMA for steering the establishment of institutions and development of capacities for dealing with disasters. Conference was attended by around 40 DCOs and DCs from high risk districts of all four provinces, AJK and Northern Areas which are faced with potential threat from disasters like floods, earthquakes, droughts ,cyclones and landsliding etc. Lt Gen Farooq Ahmad Khan ® Chairman NDMA and Mr. Shaukat Nawaz Tahir, Senior Member NDMA also addressed the Conference. CMI/Ahmad
PR. No. 37. Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that Pakistan wants an expeditious, just and peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute in keeping with the aspirations of the people of Kashmir. The Prime Minister said this while talking to the President, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJ&K), Raja Zulqarnain Khan, who called on him here at the PM’s Secretariat this afternoon. The Prime Minister said that sustainable peace in South Asia cannot be achieved without the settlement of the Kashmir dispute which has bedevilled the relations between Pakistan and India eversince the two countries became independent. The Prime Minister said that Quaid-i-Awam Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto raised the issue of Kashmir at every international forum. He said that Pakistan believes in the peaceful resolution of Kashmir issue through dialogue and expressed the confidence that India would also reciprocate positively in this regard. The Prime Minister assured the AJ&K President that Pakistan will continue providing maximum support to Azad Kashmir for its development projects as well as ongoing reconstruction work in the earthquake affected areas with a view to promoting the economic growth and providing employment opportunities to the people of AJ&K. President AJ&K, Raja Zulqarnain Khan said that the people and the Government of AJ&K are grateful to Pakistan and its people for their principled political, moral and diplomatic support on the issue of Kashmir. He informed the Prime Minister that the reconstruction work is going on satisfactorily in AJ&K and thanked Pakistan for its generous support in rehabilitating the earthquake affected people. The President informed Prime Minister Gilani of his government plans to develop and exploit the potential of hydel energy, tourism and small and medium scale enterprises in AJ&K to bring about a qualitative improvement in the socio-economic conditions in Azad Kashmir. DSG/ank
PR. No. 38. Mr. Shigeo Takenaka, Secretary General, Asian Productivity Organization, Japan, is visiting Pakistan from June 5-7, 2008. This is the first ever high profile visit of any Head of APO in eight years which could otherwise not have been possible without strongly lobbying by Mr. Shahab Khawaja, Secretary Ministry of Industries & Production and also APO Director for Pakistan and Mr. Tariq Bajwa, CEO, NPO at the Governing Body and Heads of NPOs meetings of the twenty member states. During his stay, besides paying a courtesy call on Prime Minister of Islamic Republic of Pakistan (to be confirmed), the Secretary General will meet the Advisor, Secretary, Sr. Joint Secretary, CEO-NPO of Ministry of Industries & Production, Secretary, MINFAL, Chairman PARC to review the projects and effective implementation of the recommendations made by the international experts during the programs being hosted in twenty member countries by the respective NPOs in collaboration with Asian Productivity Organization, Japan. The Secretary General also plans to pay a courtesy call on heads of Chamber in Islamabad and APTMA during his short stay at Lahore besides paying respect to Pakistani culture by visiting historical places. The global productivity issues were highlighted after the Second World War. Cognizant of the threats it presented to the Asian nations, Asian Productivity Organization (APO) was formed under UN constitution in 1961 with its secretariat at Tokyo, Japan, to address productivity related economic issues in Asian economies. Pakistan being one of the first signatories and founding member, presently twenty countries from Asia and Pacific regions is members of APO. The APO with the assistance of National Productivity Organizations of each member country covers industry, service and agriculture sectors with special focus on socio-economic progress thru productivity enhancement, strengthening of SMEs, total quality management, general management, innovation and technology, green productivity, energy efficiency, agriculture development and agro-industry, etc. In addition, it supports in research & development, study meetings, technical expert services, multi-country support programs, training and consultancy and information dissemination. The National Productivity Organization (NPO) in Pakistan and a Liaison Office of APO, Japan, is a public sector organization under the administrative control of Ministry of Industries & Production which is established to promote socio-economic developments through productivity promotions. One of the important roles of NPO is to implement APO programs/projects for strengthening of SMEs, agro-based industries, manufacturing and services sectors. It is a skill development and research oriented organization and the only government institution undertaking the productivity movement in Pakistan. The other main services rendered by NPO in Pakistan include the energy efficiency in industrial sector, social sector development, innovation and quality, training & consultancy, skill development and benchmarking. AU/ank
PR. No. 39. A pre-bid meeting of the pre-qualified bidders for the privatisation of Heavy Electrical Complex (HEC) through the acquisition of minimum 90% shares of Heavy Electrical Complex (‘HEC’) together with management control on an ‘as is, where is’ basis, was held here today under the chairmanship of Mr. Ahmed Jawad Secretary Privatisation Commission. Most of the participating pre-qualified parties in the pre-bid moot have already completed the important phase of due diligence of the transaction in the data room. So far three parties have completed the due diligence while two parties are in the process. The five pre-qualified parties include 1. ABB (Pvt) Limited, Switzerland, 2. Areva T & D Holdings Ltd, SA France 3. Pak Elektron Limited (PEL), 4. Siemens (Pakistan) Engineering Company Limited, Karachi and 5. Iljin Heavy Industries Company Limited, Korea. During the pre-bid moot, the potential bidders were briefed about the bidding process and the queries made by them were responded accordingly. Heavy Electrical Complex (HEC) is one of the industrial units of State Engineering Corporation (SEC) engaged in the manufacturing of power transformers of different types (total annual capacity 3000 MVA) with primary voltage rating of 66 and 132 KV. In addition, the HEC undertakes repair and refurbishment of old and damaged power transformers upto 500 KV. HEC was incorporated as a private limited company in 1991 and commenced full-scale commercial operation in 1997. HEC is located in Hattar Industrial Estate about 65 Km from country’s capital Islamabad. HEC is spread over an area of 81.379 acres. A total of 63 acres of land is included in the transaction out of which 20 acres is non-core land for expansion. Major clients of HEC products include WAPDA, its corporatized entities and KESC. HEC has six main manufacturing shops namely Machine shop, Winding shop, Insulation shop, Core shop, Fabrication shop and Assembly shop. In addition HEC has an oil purification shop, high voltage test laboratory equipped with 250 tonne overhead traveling crane. HEC can diversify its manufacturing range by including other products such as instrument transformers, high voltage circuit breakers and other grid stations equipped for meeting demand of the products in domestic and foreign markets. The Purchaser shall continue to operate company’s manufacturing facility and shall not in any way abandon, cease to operate or otherwise shutdown the existing Company manufacturing facility. The Purchaser will not in any form or manner dispose off, alienate transfer any or all land in the name of the Company without the prior consent of PC. The cost of Golden Hand Shake Scheme (GHS) for permanent workers and Voluntary Separation Scheme (VSS) for the executives will be shared equally between the new buyer and the Privatisation Commission. The bidder shall bid on the basis of audited accounts of June 2006 and may also factor the latest un-audited accounts available prior to the bidding. The loan from Government of Pakistan amounting to Rs. 1,002 million will be written back in the books of HEC and tax impact after adjustment brought forward losses of Rs. 376.708 million shall be borne by the Privatisation Commission. TP/ank
PR. No. 40 Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that Pakistan is open to business and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) which is fully protected under the laws of the country. Almost all sectors of our economy allow FDI and there is no discrimination between foreign and local investment as no government sanction is required in either case, the Prime Minister added The Prime Minister was talking to a delegation of the ESSAER Group headed by Mr. Shashi Ruia and Mr. Ravi Ruia. The ESSAR Group is one of the largest corporate houses of India with an enterprise value of $ 15 billion. The Prime Minister said Pakistan offers a liberal and attractive package of incentives as 100 % foreign equity is allowed and there are no restriction on remittances of royalty, technical and franchise fee, capital, profits and dividends. The Prime Minister said that since Pakistan is deficient in electricity, it would welcome investment in power generation especially in developing the Thar Coal reserves. He said other attractive areas of investment include telecom, steel, real-estate construction and electronics. The Prime Minister said that Pakistan is surplus in cement production and would like to export it to its neighbouring countries. The Prime Minister said he would soon announce the government’s power policy which would contain incentives to attract foreign investment. Mr. Sash Ruia informed the Prime Minister that his Group has an investment of $ 40 million all over the world and would be keen to invest in energy, steel and shipping sectors. Mr. Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs attended the meeting. Also present were Mr. Tariq Saeed and Mr. Iftikhar Ali Malik, President and vice President respectively of the SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry. DSG/ank
PR. No. 41 The Ambassador of European Union Commission for Pakistan H.E. Jan DE KoK called on the Speaker National Assembly Dr. Fehmida Mirza, in the Parliament House today. Talking to the Ambassador, the Madam Speaker said that the majority of Pakistani people were progressive and moderate and they have proved it in the February 18 elections by voting in favour of progressive parties. She said that the new government was confronting problems of poverty, inflation, unemployment and energy shortage. She said that Pakistan needed European countries economic and political support to resolve its problems and to strengthen democracy in the country. She said that Pakistan was on the right path of democracy and new Parliament was determined to deliver to the people and the country. She said that people were having great expectations from the new Government and the Parliament and it will come up to their expectations by fulfilling their desires. She underlined the need for enhanced volume of trade between Pakistan and European countries and added that the European companies can play important role in this regard. She thanked the European countries for their support during the October 8, 2005 earthquake in Pakistan. The Ambassador of European Commission for Pakistan H.E. Jan DE KoK said that election of 18 February in Pakistan was a great success and everybody believed its results. He said that European Commission for Pakistan was looking for the possibilities to further improve election system and strengthen democratic process and institutions in Pakistan. The Ambassador assured that the terrorist activities cannot deviate European countries attention from support to democracy in Pakistan. He urged for the appropriate response to the image problems of Pakistan in European countries. The Ambassador congratulated the Madam Speaker for her election as the 1st women speaker of the Muslim World. MT/ank
PR.
No. 42 The US Ambassador Ms. Anne W. Patterson called on the Federal Minister for Environment Mr. Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi and discussed the issues of bilateral corporation in the field of environment. Both sides agreed to further enhance the cooperation in the areas of environment. The Minister apprised the ambassador that ENERCON was established with the Financial Assistance of US Government. The Minister appreciated US assistance in the areas of Energy Conservation and forestry sector development particularly during 1980 and 1990. He indicated that during previous government, negotiations were held with the US state department to sign MoU for corporation in the field of environment. The Ambassador assured that she would expedite the progress on signing of MoU as per understanding reached in the previous meetings. The Minister said that we have done a lot of work on policies formulation and efforts are being made to implements these policies. He said that the ministry would declare the 2009 as the national year of environment on the special event of World Environment Day. The minister said that signing of MoU with the US government would help formulate comprehensive plans and programme to take industrial, air and marine pollution in Pakistan. It was also emphasized that World Bank report released recently estimates that annual cost of environmental degradation is Rs 365 billion per year or a billion per day which amounts to 6% of GDP. The Minister discusses the regulatory and enforcement mechanism in placed for tackling the environmental issues at federal and provincial level. He said that under Islamabad Green City Programme launched by the ministry, there is plan to relocate the industries of I-9 sector to some other suitable location. The Ambassador informed that US is providing US dollar 30 million for energy efficiency and energy conservation and 300 million for technical assistance and clean water initiatives in Pakistan. She informed that US experts on bio-safety and bio-security would be visiting Pakistan soon and would interact with the Ministry of Environment to seek further cooperation in the areas of environment. Dkk/ank.
PR.
No. 43 Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has expressed deep sense of shock and grief over the sad and untimely demise of Sheikh Nasir Bin Al-Zaid brother of President of UAE, who died today in a helicopter accident. The Prime Minister said that the services rendered by Sheikh Nasir Bin Al-Zaid in promoting Pakistan UAE relationship would long be remembered. In his condolence message, the Prime Minister prayed to Allah Almighty to rest the departed soul in eternal and grant courage and fortitude to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss. DSG/ank
PR. No. 44 Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that the government is committed to redressing the grievances of the people of Balochistan and reiterated that steps are being taken in this direction to improve the situation. The Prime Minister expressed these views while talking to a delegation of MNAs from Balochistan at the Prime Minister’s Chamber, Parliament House this afternoon. The Prime Minister said that his government is ready to take every possible step to restore the shattered confidence of the people of Balochistan who have suffered a great deal in the past. The Prime Minister said that the present government attached high priority to the development of Balochistan and would take all possible steps to ensure the provision of all basic necessities of life to the people at their door step. The Prime Minister said that the development of Balochistan would remain government’s top priority and would continue spending extra resources on infrastructure expansion, provision of gas, electricity, schools, health facilities and clean drinking water to various parts of Balochistan to improve the living standards of the people. The delegation apprised the Prime Minister on the progress of various development projects initiated by the Federal Government. They expressed satisfaction over the dialogue process to address the grievances of the people of the province. The delegation included Federal Minister for Population Welfare Mir Humayun Aziz Kurd, Sardar Mohammad Umar, Mr. Yaqoob Bazenjo, Mr. Usman Advocate, Mr. Ihsan ullah Raki. DSG/ank
PR.
No. 45 Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has extended his warm felicitations to Mian Shahbaz Sharif, President of PML(N) on his unopposed election as Member of Provincial Assembly from PP-48 Bhakar-II. The Prime Minister in his message said “unopposed victory of Mian Shahbaz Sharif reflects the deep respect and confidence of people on his leadership”. The Prime Minister said that Mian Shahbaz Sharif is a seasoned politician who had served as Chief Minister of Punjab with great success and his victory would further strengthen the democratic forces in the country. DSG/wh |