Australia restores defence links with Pak.

By Amit Baruah

SINGAPORE, SEPT. 21 Australia today announced the restoration of defence relations with Pakistan which were terminated by Canberra after Islamabad's nuclear tests in May 1998.

In a sign of growing Western acceptance of Pakistan's new position to cooperate in the battle against terrorism, Australia stated that it welcomed this development.

A joint statement issued by the Australian Foreign and Defence Ministers, Mr. Alexander Downer, and Mr. Peter Reith, said: ``The Government of Pakistan has taken a forthright, frontline stand in support of international anti-terrorist efforts. Australia warmly welcomes this.''

``Our decision to lift the measures is one way of demonstrating Australia's support for Pakistan's stand against terrorism at this critical time,'' the statement said.

``In practical terms, the Government's decision enables the defence establishments of the two countries to re- establish their links. This is absolutely vital in current circumstances. Pakistan has agreed to the return of an Australian defence attache to Islamabad,'' it said.

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Section  : International
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