PAKISTAN held its first high-level diplomatic talks with Israel yesterday, citing Ariel Sharon’s withdrawal from Gaza as the impetus for a thawing of relations.

The meeting was hailed as ground-breaking by Israeli and Pakistani officials, although diplomats have long held behind-the-scenes talks, especially in Washington.

Khurshid Kasuri, the Pakistani Foreign Minister, met Silvan Shalom, his Israeli counterpart, in Istanbul and said afterwards: “Pakistan attaches great importance to Israel ending its occupation of Gaza. Pakistan has therefore decided to engage Israel.”

Turkey, one of the few Muslim countries to have full relations with the Jewish state, was selected as a neutral venue. Israel has full diplomatic relations with only three Arab nations — Jordan, Egypt and Mauritania — and remains in a formal state of war with Syria and Lebanon. It has lower-level contacts with other Arab League states such as Morocco, Qatar, Tunisia and Oman.

The Israeli Government was delighted to achieve public re- cognition by a significant Muslim nation and fellow nuclear power. Mr Shalom said: “We hope that it will herald the beginning of an open and mutually beneficial relationship between our two countries.

“It is our hope that through our efforts — including this historic meeting here in Istanbul today with Foreign Minister Kasuri — we will pave the way forward towards a future of peace, security and regional co-operation to the benefit of all peoples.”

Officials in Pakistan said later that the meeting was not a prelude to formal recognition, although President Musharraf has hinted that he may move in this direction.

He is not thought to face significant opposition from Pakistan’s all-powerful military for the initiative, but it was condemned by an opposition alliance of six Islamic parliamentary parties, which threatened demonstrations outside mosques after midday prayers today. Shahid Shamsi, the spokesman for the alliance, said: “We strongly condemn the meeting and we have called for a day of protest throughout the country to register our anger. This is a move which is against the interest of Islamic umma [community] and reflects the pro-US policies of the present Government.”

Palestinian officials expressed misgivings about Pakistan’s initiative. Nabil Shaath, the Palestinian Deputy Prime Minister, said: “It is not good to give Israel gifts before it really implements the peace process, not only in Gaza, but in Gaza, the West Bank and Jerusalem.”

Israeli reports said yesterday that King Abdullah of Jordan was expected to visit Israel next week to underscore his support of the Gaza withdrawal.

On Sunday the Israeli Cabinet approved the deployment of 750 Egyptian troops along the border with Gaza to replace Israeli troops.

Last night Suleiman Awad, President Mubarak’s spokesman, confirmed that an agreement to deploy Egyptian forces along the Gaza Strip would be signed in Cairo.

PEACE PACTS

Saudi Arabia

Will establish diplomatic relations if Israel ‘liberates the occupied territory of three Arab countries and allows Palestinian refugees to return home’

Egypt

Established full diplomatic relations in 1980. Sent an ambassador to Tel Aviv in 1986 after a four-year protest about a massacre of Palestinian civilians in Beirut

Jordan

Signed peace treaty with Israel in October 1994 and established diplomatic relations shortly afterwards

Syria

Said in 1999 that it was ready to establish full diplomatic relations if Israel withdrew from the Golan Heights

Turkey

Signed a military training and co-operation agreement with Israel in 1991

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