The Hindu : International : Pakistan asked to help resolve world issues: Musharraf

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Dec 10, 2004

International

International

Pakistan asked to help resolve world issues: Musharraf

By B. Muralidhar Reddy

ISLAMABAD, DEC. 9. The Pakistan President, Pervez Musharraf, says that Washington, London and Paris share Islamabad's emphasis that the Kashmir "dispute" needs to be resolved for durable peace and stability in South Asia.

Talking to correspondents onboard his special aircraft, on his way back home from his two-week foreign tour, Gen. Musharraf said that the leaders of these Western countries were receptive to his urging that political disputes must be addressed to rid the world of terrorism in the long-term.

"I put across a loud and clear message that the underlying causes of terror have to be addressed because, if left festering, the disputes will continue to breed a sense of deprivation and extremism," he said.

Role for Pakistan

Gen. Musharraf told journalists that it was a matter of pride for Pakistan that the world leaders asked him to play a role in addressing major international issues, including Palestine.

"It is great for the country that we are being asked to contribute our bid in resolving world disputes — the world believes we have a role — it clearly signifies our elevated status in the comity of nations. The world recognises that Pakistan has a significant role to play in the region, in the Muslim world and the world at large — it should be a matter of great pride for us."

He described his visit to Latin America, the U.S., the United Kingdom and France as highly productive, saying it helped improve Pakistan's political and diplomatic relations with these countries and also opened new vistas of trade and economic cooperation.

Referring to his talks with the U.S. President, George W. Bush, at the White House, Gen. Musharraf said that Washington had assured him of considering a free trade agreement, saying it would boost Pakistan's exports.

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