The Hindu : National : Unity efforts have failed: Mirwaiz

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Friday, Nov 26, 2004

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Unity efforts have failed: Mirwaiz

By Our Staff Reporter

SRINAGAR, NOV. 25. The care-taker chairman of the moderate faction of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, today said efforts to re-unite the separatist constituency in the State seems to have reached a dead end. This was the first time in the last few days that the Mirwaiz confirmed that the talks to unite with the separatist faction headed by the pro-Pakistan separatist leader, Syed Ali Shah Geelani, have almost broken down.

Talking to The Hindu , the Mirwaiz said the efforts had failed and blamed Syed Ali Shah Geelani. "His approach is rigid and he is not willing to concede a point. His approach to the problem sparks off rigidity and those who desire Itehaad (unity) feel helpless. There can be differences between the leaders but every one has to show flexibility in the larger public interest.''

Spelling out the details of his meeting with the Pakistan Prime Minister, Shaukat Aziz, the Mirwaiz said: ``We had a positive meeting. We discussed the composite dialogue taking place between the two countries.'' According to the Mirwaiz, the Pakistan Prime Minister assured him that the leadership of Kashmir, principally the Hurriyat would be represented in the dialogue process.

``Hetold us that the recent formula spelt out by the Pakistan President, Pervez Musharaff, for creation of seven regions was only for internal debate within Pakistan.''

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