Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmood Kasuri expressed the hope that India will extend her co-operation with the World Bank for the appointment of a neutral expert to solve Baglihar dam issue in accordance with Indus Water Treaty. Talking to newsmen here on Saturday, Kasuri said that Islamabad wanted comprehensive dialogues with India to solve all issues, including the core issue of Kashmir, adding that Pakistan desired durable peace in the region, and would continue its efforts for this purpose.
The foreign minister underlined the need for adopting realistic attitude to resolve all issues, including Kashmir, saying: "Both countries have fought wars in the past over the issue. Now they have to express their sincerity to eliminate the differences between both countries to solve this issue."
Kasuri said the meetings held between President Pervez Musharraf and Indian ruling party Congress and Opposition during his recent visit to India were positive and a headway was made over Jammu and Kashmir issue and trade between the two countries.
He said that outstanding issues of the last 57 years cannot be solved overnight, adding that no time-frame can be given, however, "our policy regarding Kashmir has not changed." He said the participation of Kashmiri representatives is essential during dialogue between India and Pakistan over the issue, adding that the United Nations Observers would have to remain at the Line of Control till the solution to the Kashmir issue.
Kasuri said when the talks between Islamabad and New Delhi progress then the talks will cover security apprehensions. The minister said that talks to solve Siachin and Sir Creek issues would be held from May 25 to 28. He referred to 1989 Pact in this regard.
He said: "Pakistan being a nuclear state will not sign the NPT, and our stance is absolutely clear over the issue", adding the government, all political parties, and people are united over the Kashmir issue. The foreign minister said that Pakistan wanted to become the member of Asean and would like to have liberal trade with the Asean countries.
He said that Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz was on foreign tour and during his visit he will sign various agreements. Kasuri said that the exercises of Indian Army are part of its routine matter, and Pakistan is not worried at all, and is not unaware of its security. He said that consultations are continuing with Saarc countries to hold Saarc Summit, and hoped it would be held by the end of current year.
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