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Speculation over Musharraf, Aziz not receiving Bush

B. Muralidhar Reddy

However, Kasuri says protocol was maintained

ISLAMABAD: That neither Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf nor Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz chose to receive the U.S. President, George W. Bush, on Friday night, on his landing from New Delhi on a two-day visit, has been subject of intense speculation in the media circles here.

The Pakistan Foreign Minister, Khurshid Mehmood Kasuri, dismissed the speculation as unwarranted. "We have gone according to the protocol. Why should any one have complaints about it," he quipped on Saturday when a journalist wanted to know why Mr. Bush was not accorded the same treatment he got in New Delhi.

The reference was to the manner in which Mr. Bush was received by the Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, setting aside protocol. Retired senior military officer Talat Masood said `security considerations' could have prevented Gen. Musharraf and Mr. Aziz from being present at the airport when Mr. Bush arrived.

Other analysis sought to read it as a necessary measure in understanding with the Americans given the anti-U.S. sentiment prevalent in the country.

A few even talked about the possibility of Islamabad sending its own message of disquiet over the high-profile visit to India!

The representatives of opposition parties in the country stayed away from the banquet hosted by Gen. Musharraf in honour of Mr. Bush. Their explanation was that they were reflecting the anger of the people on the policies of the Bush administration in the region and in the Muslim world.

Throughout the day, the streets of Islamabad were peaceful, with the main rally planned for the adjoining city of Rawalpindi being curtailed after organiser and cricket legend Imran Khan was placed under house arrest.

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