Washington welcomes Nawaz's release

WASHINGTON, Dec 10: The United States on Sunday welcomed the release from prison of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. "We welcome news of Mr Sharif's release from detention and arrival in Saudi Arabia," said US National Security Council spokesman P.J. Crowley.

"We have pressed authorities in Pakistan all along for fair treatment for Mr Sharif and we are glad that this situation has been resolved and appreciate the efforts of the Saudi Arabian government in making this arrangement with the Pakistani authorities," Crowley said.

Nawaz Sharif arrived in Saudi Arabia on Sunday for an indefinite exile after being released by the army, which overthrew him 14 months ago, Saudi officials said.

A plane carrying Nawaz Sharif and his relatives landed in the Red Sea port of Jeddah and the ex-premier pledged to his Saudi hosts he would stay out of politics, the officials added.

"Mr Sharif will perform Umra and will later be admitted to hospital for treatment," one official said.-Reuters
( Dawn, Dec 11, 2000 )