The fourth Kashmir Peace conference will be held in New York from February 24 to 25. Announcing this, Kashmiri American Council (KAC) Executive Director Dr Ghulam Nabi Fai on Friday said that hectic preparations are now under way to hold a befitting conference. Dr Fai, in an interview, told APP that on day one (February 24), experts from different parts of the world in the field of diplomacy, politics, and government envoys as well as representatives of the parties concerned, NGOs, sympathisers, and neutral figures, supporters of regional and world peace, and former bureaucrats will speak on 'Peace Initiative in South Asia: Exploring Possible Options for Kashmir.'
He said the second day of the conference will be devoted to a 'Roundtable Discussion.'
Dr Fai said invitations have been sent to the speakers, while their participation has by and large been confirmed.
Of the 'Roundtable Discussion', he said the seats are limited, while the admission is free, but registration is mandatory, adding the programme for the 'Roundtable Discussion' begins at 9 am on February 25, and those intending to participate in it have been asked to confirm the same by e-mail or fax by registering prior to September 25. "No one will be admitted without prior registration," he said
Both the engagements are scheduled to be held at the UN Headquarters, in Conference Room: D, he added.
The conference is being organised under the aegis of the International Educational Development (accredited with the UN Ecosoc) and the Kashmiri American Council (KAC).
Dr Fai said: "This year's conference has come at a crucial point in South Asian history, as the international community has become increasingly concerned at the failure to resolve the Kashmir question, an issue which, if not resolved, could have disastrous consequences on the lives of millions of people across South Asia."
"Both India and Pakistan have recently placed Kashmir on a negotiating agenda," he said, referring to "the historic meeting" between President General Pervez Musharraf of Pakistan and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh of India, in New York, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session, in September 2004.
In the meeting, he said the two leaders "affirmed their commitment to exploring possible options for a peaceful negotiated settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir issue in a sincere spirit and purposeful manner."
Dr Fai said: "It is our hope that the two leaders and their governments fully recognise that there can be no peaceful negotiated settlement without the full and active participation of Kashmiris living on both sides of the Cease-fire Line as well as of those belonging to the Kashmiri diaspora."
He said: "The speakers will focus not only on the well-known opposing views of the governments of India and Pakistan, but also on the rights and perceptions of the people of Kashmir."
In having these distinguished speakers share the podium, Dr Fai said: "We seek the beginning of a dialogue that can bolster the current momentum of the peace process."
"The full range of positions regarding the crisis in Kashmir will be voiced, and any conclusions or recommendations from this programme will have the backing of people with the most potential to act on them in a positive manner", he added.
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