The Hindu : International / India & World : Pilot error makes Aziz cross LoC

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Friday, Jul 01, 2005

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International - India & World

Pilot error makes Aziz cross LoC

We had nothing to do in that matter: Indian Air Force officials

ISLAMABAD: A military helicopter carrying Pakistan Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz briefly crossed over to the Indian side of the Line of Control (LoC) while carrying out an aerial survey of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

The News quoted the Geo channel as saying that the helicopter crossed over to the Indian side near the Chakoti sector in PoK, but soon turned back after the pilot realised his mistake. Indian Air Force officials, when contacted, said that they had nothing on the matter.

Mr. Aziz was on a day's visit to PoK, where he addressed the budget session of the PoK Council in Muzaffarabad.

He also visited Chakoti, last point in PoK and boarded the Muzaffarabad-Srinagar bus, where he interacted with the passengers before returning to Muzaffarabad.

Incidentally, this was the first time that a Pakistan leader had boarded the bus service, since its start in April.

Concerned over India-U.S. deal

Expressing concern over Tuesday's agreement between India and the United States for joint weapons production and cooperation in missile defence, Pakistan has said the induction of advance weapon systems can destabilise the strategic balance in the region.

``The induction of advance weapon system into the region is a matter of concern for Pakistan,'' a Foreign Ministry spokesman said here on Thursday.

``We have already conveyed our concern to the U.S. over the negative consequence of induction of new weapons such as missile defence.''

Dialogue process

Recalling Pakistan's proposal to India for a strategic restraint regime based on conflict resolution, nuclear and missile restraint and conventional balance, the spokesman said his country remained committed to the ongoing composite dialogue process.

While Pakistan was opposed to an arms race, "we are committed to maintaining credible minimum deterrence in both conventional and non-conventional areas."

The spokesman stressed that Pakistan would also ensure its defensive capability and respond appropriately to rectify any imbalance.

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Pilot error makes Aziz cross LoC