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STATE FOR SCA/PB, SCA/A, EUR/UBI, S/CT

E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/20/2016
TAGS: PREL PTER EAID PK AF UK
SUBJECT: (U) PAKISTAN: PM BLAIR MEETS MUSHARRAF IN LAHORE


Classified By: PolCouns Richard Mills; reasons 1.4 (b, d)


1. (C) SUMMARY: November 19 talks between PM Blair and
President Musharraf focused on counter-terrorism,
Afghanistan, and Islamic extremism, according to Kate English
of FCO's Pakistan Section (based on a preliminary read-out
from the UK High Commission in Islamabad). Musharraf
complained to Blair that Afghan President Karzai had given
refuge to the son of Baluchi leader Bugti, who was killed by
Pakistani forces earlier this year. After the talks, Blair
told the press the bilateral relationship was at its highest
point &for many, many years,8 praised Musharraf,s
&courage and leadership8 and endorsed his program of
&enlightened moderation.8 The two leaders issued a Joint
Declaration announcing a doubling of UK aid over the next
three years, a ten-year commitment to a development
partnership, and increased university linkages. From
Pakistan, the PM flew on to Afghanistan. END SUMMARY.

Blair-Musharraf Talks
--------------

2. (C) The atmosphere at the Blair-Musharraf talks, during
PM Blair's November 19 visit to Lahore, was "very good,"
according to the FCO Pakistan Section (based on the section's
preliminary read-out from the UK High Commission in
Islamabad). Blair pressed Musharraf for action against the
Taliban in Quetta. Musharraf gave a "100 percent commitment"
to action against the Taliban and in aid of counter-terrorism
efforts in the UK. His major request to Blair was for
increased trade. Musharraf also complained that Afghan
President Karzai had given refuge to the son of Baluchi
leader Bugti, killed by Pakistani forces earlier this year.
Musharraf claimed to be trying to put together a more
moderate coalition for the 2007 elections. It was the UK
side's impression that Musharraf seemed more confident than
when he last met with Blair in September, perhaps due to
Musharraf's recent success in getting legislation through
parliament, notably the female protection bill.

Joint Declaration
--------------

3. (C) The Joint Declaration issued during the visit did not
provide figures for the ten-year development partnership. It
did provide for creation of a Joint Working Group between the
British Home Office and the Pakistani Ministry of Interior,
to address illegal migration, counter-terrorism and
counter-narcotics. The two leaders agreed to cooperate more
closely on counter-terrorism and Afghanistan. The UK pledged
to provide two Mi-17 helicopters in April 2007 for
counter-narcotics operations, to be paid for out of Home
Office funds.

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