<b>Musharraf says once again, Sorry - for 71 calamitous events</b>

The Independent - Bangladesh

Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf once again said "sorry" for the "calamitous events" that occurred during the 1971 Bangladesh liberation war as old wounds reopened during his visit, reports UNB.

"We feel sorry for the tragedy which left deep scars on both our nations. But wounds do heal with time," said General Musharraf in his speech at a dinner hosted by Prime Minister Khaleda Zia at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre last night.

He said: " My brothers and sisters in Pakistan share with their fellow brothers and sisters of Bangladesh profound grief over the calamitous events of 1971."

"As a result of this tragedy, a family having common religious and cultural heritage and united by a joint struggle for independence and shared vision of the future was torn apart," General Musharraf said.

During the last 30 years, he noted, the relations between the two brotherly nations have come a long way. The sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Bangladesh are close to the heart of the Pakistanis, he said

.

General Musharraf told the function that Pakistan looked forward to meaningful understanding and friendship with Bangladesh for a "strong South Asia". This relationship will also act as catalyst to promote peace and prosperity in the region.

"We shall always stand by our Bangladeshi sisters and brothers… Time has come to build brotherly trust and confidence and lay down the foundation of mighty pillar of friendship so that our future generations take pride in what we accomplished today and the painful memories of the past don’t haunt them any more."

As he finished, Begum Zia responded: "Thank you, Mr. President, for your candid expression on the events of 1971. This will, no doubt, help mitigate the old wounds."

The Prime Minister further said: "We like to look forward and work together as brothers for a bright prospect tomorrow."

The Pak President, while paying tributes to the Bangladesh Liberation War martyrs at the National Mausoleum on his arrival in Dhaka Monday, regretted the "excesses" committed during the 1971 war.

"Your brothers and sisters in Pakistan share the pain of the event of 1971," he wrote in the visitor’s book at the National Mausoleum after laying wreaths in pay homage to the martyrs.