Pakistan's UN envoy Munir Akram has said the Kashmir issue is highly important, resolution of which is crucial to improvement of ties between Islamabad and New Delhi.
"Pakistan has demanded settlement of this issue at every forum and would raise it during the General Assembly session and meeting between President Musharraf and Indian Premier Manmohan Singh at New York," he told reporters at his office.
He said that over-70 heads of states are participating in the upcoming UN General Assembly session, while General Pervez Musharraf would attend the session at the special invitation of UN Secretary General Kofi Annan.
President Musharraf, he said, would meet US President George W Bush and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during his visit, besides other leaders.
Akram said that Pakistan's membership and president-ship of the Security Council has enhanced its respect and dignity among the nations. "Today, Pakistan views are given considerable importance due its independent foreign policy," the ambassador said.
He said that Pakistan, during a debate on Drafur situation, raised the genocide and suppression of Kashmiris and gross human rights violations in Valley by the Indian occupation security forces.
He said that Pakistan regretted the duality of the world community on the question of Drafur and Indian occupied Kashmir.
"The international community is expressing its concern over five thousands deaths in Drafur but was mute over brutal killing of eighty thousands innocent Kashmiris," he said while referring to the recent SC meeting.
He demanded withdrawal of Indian occupation army from occupied Kashmir and the grant of self determination right to the people of Indian occupied Kashmir in line with the UN Security Council resolutions.
To a question regarding SC strength, the ambassador said proposals were being reviewed to increase the size of the Security Council. Pakistan, he said, is opposed to the inclusion of India as permanent member of the SC.
"There are other members for this office including Japan, Germany, Brazil and South Africa."
Referring to President Musharraf's address to the General Assembly, Munir Akram said the president would highlight problems faced by the developing nations and the effects of globalisation.