Commenting on Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf's televised address on Saturday night, Sun said that Musharraf's address demonstrates the Pakistani government's determination to fight religious extremists at home and its will to settle the disputes with India through dialogue.

This will help relieve the tension in the region, and it conforms to the consensus of the international community on anti-terrorism. It is also in the long-term interests of Pakistan, he said.

The spokesman said that China understands and respects the Pakistani government's efforts towards safeguarding domestic stability, and China believes that Pakistan will maintain national unity, social stability and economic development under the leadership of Musharraf.

He noted that Pakistan and India are both important countries in South Asia, and China hopes that they can take measures to ease the tension and find a peaceful settlement to their differences through dialogue.

This would be of benefit to both India and Pakistan, and would help bring peace, stability and development to the South Asia region, Sun added.

(People?s Daily January 14, 2002)