During his visit to Pakistan on January 4 to condole the death of Benazir Bhutto, Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki met his Pakistani counter part Inam Ul Haque and reviewed the progress of the IPI project1. Both the sides reiterated that they would proceed with the project regardless of Indian participation and that external pressures would not be tolerated. Mr. Mottakki also met President Musharraf who urged that the project be expedited. Later during the week, Iranian ambassador to Pakistan Mash Allah Shakeri stated that Iran and Pakistan would finalize the IPI project agreement by 25 January2.

• 1. “Iran, Pak review IPI pipeline project”, The Hindu, January 4, 2008, at http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/holnus/001200801042120.htm
• 2. “Iranian envoy: Pakistan, Iran to finalize gas pipeline project by Jan. 25”, Xinhuanet, January 6, 2008, at http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-01/06/content_7374466.htm