U.S. Praises Malaysia Ahead Of Bush-Mahathir Meeting
By IOL South East Asia Correspondent
KUALA LUMPUR, April 16 (IslamOnline) - The United States has described Malaysia as a beacon of stability in the region that plays an important role in fighting terrorism, news reports from Kuala Lumpur said Tuesday.
U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs James A. Kelly said the U.S. appreciated the contributions made by the Government and its people towards global efforts to eradicate terrorism.
“It is important for us to further co-operate in the matter and improve our bilateral relations,’’ Kelly told a press conference at the US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur.
Washington has invited Mahathir to the U.S. next month. The two leaders are expected to meet and discuss issues related to terrorism and Israel’s bloody offensive in the occupied territories of Palestine.
Mahathir has pushed for a meeting with Bush since the latter took office but was not given the chance to meet the U.S. president while visiting the U.S. earlier.
In Kuala Lumpur, rumors had it that Mahathir will also discuss the Anwar Ibrahim case with President George Bush. The jailed former deputy PM has strong ties in the U.S. where senators and congressmen have lobbied in his favor with Bush.
They are pushing for his early release from jail, saying that he was the victim of gross human rights violations in Malaysia.
Ibrahim is currently serving a cumulated 15 years jail term after he was found guilty for corruption and sodomy by the Federal Court in Kuala Lumpur.
Kelly said the United States shared the sentiments that the appeal by Anwar Ibrahim against his sentences should be heard fairly.
Asked if Anwar was the reason bilateral relations became strained over the past few years, Kelly said the matter was not discussed during his talks with Dr Mahathir.
The U.S. is also keen to have stronger relations with Malaysia since the world super power now views the Muslim country as stable and a friend in the war against terror.
“There are so many things that will be discussed, especially on the improved Malaysian economy and bilateral relations,’’ Kelly said.
Kelly said both governments were deeply concerned over the Middle East crisis and Mahathir had also expressed his views to him.
The US representative said he also met United Nations Special Envoy Tan Sri Razali Ismail, who will be visiting Myanmar at the end of the month to continue his talks with the Myanmar Government.
“The United States is strongly in support of the ambassador’s efforts in the country,’’ he said.
