Pakistan's president plays down Indian jets' airspace incursion
12:00 AM CST on Monday, December 15, 2008
Chicago Tribune
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan In an attempt to defuse tense relations between his country and India, Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari on Sunday played down an incursion by two Indian fighter jets as a technical error.
He talked to reporters alongside British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who pledged more money and help for Pakistan to fight militancy. Mr. Brown had also visited India.
Mr. Zardari said Sunday the planes were flying at about 40,000 feet and barely entered Pakistani territory Saturday. India has denied the alleged incursions.
"When they turned, the turn slightly entered our Pakistan soil," he said, adding that "such incursions do happen."
Mr. Brown announced that Britain would give Pakistan almost $9 million to combat the causes of radical Islam.
Mr. Zardari pledged full continued cooperation with the Mumbai terrorism investigation.
"We consider this an opportunity to be able to cooperate with India, to take our relationship with India to another level," he said.
Chicago Tribune
President Asif Ali Zardari IS A B!T(H