The Hindu : No change in traditional stance on Kashmir: Musharraf

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Feb 06, 2004

International

International - India & World

No change in traditional stance on Kashmir: Musharraf

By B. Muralidhar Reddy

ISLAMABAD, FEB. 5. The Pakistan President, Pervez Musharraf, has asserted that the Kashmir cause and nuclear missile power were of vital national interest to Pakistan and anyone who "sells out on either of these, is a traitor."

Addressing the joint session of the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) Assembly and Council at Muzaffarabad on the occasion of `Kashmir solidarity day,' Gen. Musharraf was at pains to emphasise that there was no change in the country's traditional stance on Kashmir.

February 5 is observed as `Kashmir solidarity day' in Pakistan and PoK since 1990 and the highlight of the day is the address to the joint session of the PoK Assembly and Council by the Pakistan head of the state/government. Originally, the Pakistan Prime Minister, Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali, was to address the joint session but at the last minute, Gen. Musharraf chose to go.

Unlike the previous years, Gen. Musharraf did not rake up any contentious issues like alleged atrocities by Indian forces in the Valley and instead focused on addressing the concerns of some sections that Pakistan has compromised on Kashmir.

He said Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) alone cannot help Pakistan, India and the Kashmiris reach a solution. A clear picture on the resolution of the Kashmir issue would emerge by the year-end.

Pakistan clearly understood the difference between a "freedom struggle and terrorism," he said, adding, "We are very clear about the distinction ... and a freedom struggle is not terrorism ... this should be clear to all."

He said there was an allegation that he had left behind the United Nations Security Council Resolutions. His statement should not be taken out of context. "I can't throw it in the dust bin. How can I dump it," he asked. He called for a step-by-step approach towards seeking a solution on Kashmir. The first two steps — initiate the dialogue process and recognise Kashmir as a dispute had been accomplished. The next two steps he said were a bit difficult. The things not acceptable to Pakistan, the Kashmiris and India have to be eliminated and finally, issues acceptable to all are to be taken up.

He assured the Kashmiri leaders of his full support and said, "I am not deceiving you, I will do my best to find a solution, and if I cannot do something, I will leave."

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No change in traditional stance on Kashmir: Musharraf