WASHINGTON: Prime Minister Bhutto has said we want good relations with India: we want consolidation of the issues of peace and no confrontation. Mr. Bhutto was speaking at a dinner he hosted ... in honour of prominent [US] leaders. Replying to the toast [US] VicePresident Rockefeller paid tributes to Mr.

Bhutto and said that he (Bhutto) had created a sense of purpose and sense of directionfor his nation. ... Mr. Bhutto pointed out that Pakistan`s confrontation with India was very old, but `I say to the Indians that we want good relations`. He said that the situation was changing in the world. `Why should we have confrontation` he asked. News agencies [Meanwhile, according to another report from news agencies, Mr Bhutto] received a 19-gun salute and a red carpet military ceremony upon his departure [from Washington] today [Feb 7] for New York City after an official visit here. ... Mr Bhutto was extremely pleased with his visit here, according to high American and Pakistani officials. ...

The `Washington Post` said in its editorial today [Feb 7]: `If he is as charming on conference table as he is a dinner host, Prime Minister Bhutto of Pakistan just might get all the defensive weapons he is seeking during his visit to the United States.