FRANCE: PAKISTAN'S PRIME MINISTER BENAZIR BHUTTO VISIT

(25 Oct 1995) English/Nat

Pakistan's Prime Minister, Benazir Bhutto, is in France for talks with President Jacques Chirac.

The Prime Minister said Pakistan is examining the possibility of buying military airplanes from France.

Pakistan has attempted to purchase American planes, but the U-S has not yet lifted an arms embargo against the country.

A group of French soldiers marched in front of the Elysee Palace in the French capital as Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto arrived.

Bhutto is in France for talks with President Jacques Chirac.

During their meeting both leaders discussed various issues ranging from financial assistance to the purchase of military airplanes.

After the meeting the Prime Minister thanked President Chirac for calling on other nations to strengthen financial aid to developing countries during his speech at the United Nations on Monday.

She also said the French government has authorised the selling of 40 French Mirage 2000-five airplanes to Pakistan.

SOUNDBITE: (In English)

"We discussed bilateral issues. France has been giving assistance to Pakistan and we have been introducing poverty alleviation issues as a consequence of that. We also have a very healthy military relationship which we discussed. Pakistan had acquired some French submarines and were are now examining the possibility of acquiring...beginning technical discussions for acquiring French airplanes. We further discussed investment opportunities in different sectors including in coal, in fast trains and in utilities. (Q: And what about the Mirage, is there anything new about that? )...Well, yes we are very pleased that the president of France has given the authorisation...Am I allowed to say that?...We are discussing this issue with the French authorities, in a very serious way."
SUPER CAPTION: Benazir Bhutto, Prime Minister of Pakistan

The French government has not confirmed giving the authorisation to sell the planes.

Pakistan has unsuccessfully attempted to purchase American F-16 airplanes due to an arms embargo by the U-S government.

Bhutto was also scheduled to meet with French Prime Minister Alain Juppe.

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