The Hindu : International / India & World : Musharraf promises support to Hurriyat

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Jun 08, 2005

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International - India & World

Musharraf promises support to Hurriyat

``Pakistan is sincere and serious in resolving all disputes with India, including Kashmir''

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf met moderate Kashmiri separatist leaders from India on Tuesday and assured them of full backing in their efforts to resolve the Kashmir issue and ensure lasting peace in the region, a Government official said.

Gen. Musharraf vowed his ``unflinching support'' to the nine leaders of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference, or APHC — an alliance of political groups in Kashmir seeking the State's independence from New Delhi's rule, said the official who spoke on condition of anonymity.

``Pakistan is sincere and serious in resolving all disputes with India, including Kashmir,'' the official quoted Gen. Musharraf as saying. ``It is a must for ensuring durable peace.'' The APHC leaders, headed by Umar Farooq, praised Gen. Musharraf for inviting them to discuss the issue in Pakistan.

Gen. Musharraf's meeting with APHC leaders came two days after they met Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, who told them that Pakistan welcomed the involvement of Kashmiris in negotiations and sought a resolution acceptable to all the three parties — India, Pakistan and the Kashmiris. — AP

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