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Saturday, Jun 30, 2007
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Aiyar: I know Pakistan better

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: Union Panchayati Raj Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar on Friday said there was hardly anyone in the Foreign Office (External Affairs Ministry) who knew Pakistan more than he did.

Briefing reporters about his forthcoming visit to Pakistan to participate in a symposium on ‘Local Governance,’ Mr. Aiyar said he knew the country well and was the Consular General there at the most critical time when the former Prime Minister, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, was hanged.

Reacting to news reports that the External Affairs Ministry had asked him to watch his words during the three-day trip, Mr. Aiyar said it was a normal policy for the Government to brief the delegation on diplomacy before visiting any other country. He said he, too, had received a note that he intended to implement appropriately.

“Whenever we take a new delegation to China, Pakistan or Sri Lanka that has no diplomatic experience, it is important that they should be briefed. It is natural,” he said.

The Minister said the two sides intended to share their experiences some of which could be adapted for better local governance. He added that it was a team of academic and expert committees rather than the Panchayati Raj institution members.

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