President General Pervez Musharraf on Thursday underlined the urgent need to address terrorism in its strategic long-term perspective through resolution of political disputes, cautioning that durable peace and stability would remain elusive without addressing underlying causes of extremism and terrorism. "Without wasting any time, the world should resolve political disputes and also address illiteracy and poverty to remove the underlying causes of extremism and terrorism," he told senior editors of leading French newspapers.
In the hour-long interaction over breakfast, the President described Palestine question as the most critical dispute facing the world; emphasising Palestine and Kashmir were absolutely ripe for resolution.
"If we do not resolve these disputes, we will be doing harm to our future generations."
The President informed editors combating terrorism militarily alone would not rid the world of the menace.
"While we confront terrorists frontally, we must also go for lasting solution - the Muslim world should reject extremism and the West should fulfill its responsibility in settling the political disputes with justice as well as help the Muslim countries achieve socio-economic development."
Responding to a question on holding two offices, the President said the Constitution of Pakistan allows him to hold the offices of President and Army Chief up to year 2007.
"That is a reality, both houses of the Parliament have legislation that asking me to hold both the positions," he said.
Foreign Minister Khurshid M Kasuri, Information Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmad and Commerce Minister Humayun Akhtar Khan were also present.
On Pakistan-India rapprochement, the President said the two tracks - the confidence building measures and the dialogue process - must move in tandem for the resolution of outstanding disputes including Kashmir.
"Kashmir cannot be sidelined - I hope leadership on both sides will show flexibility to resolve disputes, he said.
Referring to the joint statement of Sept 24 issued in New York after his meeting with the Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, he said it stipulates consideration of all options on Kashmir in a purposeful manner.
About domestic situation, General Pervez Musharraf said they had instituted the essence of democracy in Pakistan and introduced checks and balances so that democracy was sustained in future.
He said they were in the process of societal transformation in Pakistan and bringing the vast moderate majority up to ensure that they dominate the small minority of extremists.
He said the country had a vibrant economy then and they were in the process to transfer those gains to the people of Pakistan at the grassroots level.
He said they had empowered women, minorities and people of Pakistan. In reply to a question about UN reforms, the President said as a matter of principle, Pakistan was against expansion of centres of power and privilege. It violated the principles of sovereignty of nations. He said a better method would be to enlarge the Security Council through non-permanent members from various regions so that it was more representative.
To a question, General Pervez Musharraf said Pakistan's nuclear and missile capability was on the basis of a strategy of minimum defensive deterrence.
He said Pakistan would maintain minimum deterrence level. President Musharraf said all weapons producing countries must ensure balance in the conventional fields.
He hoped France would take a very balanced attitude on the sale of weapons to India and Pakistan.
Pakistan, he added was looking for French support for Pakistani products' access to European market at zero tariff rate because of Pakistan's contributions to the fight against international terrorism.
Asked about Pakistan's role in the region and world affairs, the President said Pakistan could play a key role as it had a special geographic strategic location. It was at the centre of South Asia, Central Asia, Gulf, Middle East and China.