<b>Musharraf regrets Pak forces’ ‘excesses’ in ’71</b>

Independent - Bangladesh

Savar, Bangladesh, July 29: : Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf today stood in solemn silence before the National Mausoleum here in homage to the martyrs of the Bangladesh Liberation War and regretted the "excesses" committed by his country's forces in 1971, reports UNB.

"Your brothers and sisters in Pakistan share the pain of the events of 1971. The excesses committed during that unfortunate period are regrettable," he wrote in the visitor’s book after placing a wreath at the pedestal of the national martyrs’ memorial.

Arriving in Dhaka on a three-day visit this afternoon, the Pakistani President flew to the National Mausoleum at Savar by a Bangladesh Airforce helicopter.

A smartly turned-out contingent drawn from the three services of the Bangladesh armed forces presented guard of honour to the distinguished guest. He then placed the wreath as an army band played bugle.

After paying tributes to the memory of the independence martyrs, who laid down their lives fighting the Pakistani forces to liberate Bangladesh in 1971, the visiting President wrote in the visitor’s book:

"I bring sincere greetings and good wishes from the People’s Republic of Pakistan for their Bangladeshi brethren and sister. We wish this land and its people peace, progress and prosperity.

"Your brothers and sisters in Pakistan share the pain of the events of 1971. The excesses during that unfortunate period are regrettable. Let us bury the past in a spirit of magnanimity. Let not the light of the future be dimmed. Let us move forward together. Courage to compromise is greater than courage to confront. I am confident that with our joint resolve Pakistan-Bangladesh friendship will flourish in the years to come."

As the President, in a light-green suit, along with his wife alighted from the special helicopter at the memorial’s helipad, minister-in-waiting Mirza Abbas received him.

High military and civil officials along with Pakistani diplomats in Dhaka were present.

Before leaving the memorial after the ceremonies, President Musharraf planted a sapling on its premises.

There was tight security in and around the memorial ahead of the visit of the Pakistan President.

- Independent - Bangladesh -