ISLAMABAD: Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has said India and Pakistan could overcome `obstacles' on Kashmir with courage and determination.

Addressing the Pakistani community in Auckland on Saturday, at the end of his three-day official visit, Gen. Musharraf said Pakistan was making efforts for lasting peace in the region through amicable resolution of the long-running `dispute' with India.

"I see light at the end of the tunnel because I think there is desire on both sides to address the issue. We are moving in this direction; both sides will have to show sincerity, flexibility and courage for final settlement of the dispute."

On his meetings with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Gen. Musharraf said he felt that Dr. Singh had the desire and courage to address the issue. Not only the leadership on both sides had the desire to address the issue but also the people of the two countries wanted peace.

Leaders overtaken

"The people of the two countries have overtaken the leadership in their desire for peace," he said, adding that peace could help economic and trade cooperation in South Asia to the benefit of all nations.

"Grasp the opportunity"

Gen. Musharraf maintained that the leadership in the two countries had a critical responsibility to grasp the peace opportunity.

"Otherwise, future generations will not forgive us," he said and recalled that numerous agreements between Pakistan and India failed in the past as they did not address the underlying cause of tension.

Reiterating Islamabad's firm commitment to eliminating `extremism and terrorism' from the country, Gen. Musharraf talked about his call for `proactive' efforts by all against extremism. "We will crush and eliminate terrorism with force. We will not allow any terrorist to pursue his agenda on the Pakistani soil."

Pakistan, he said, had to address both extremism and terrorism as "we require a peaceful and congenial environment for continuing our march on the path of high economic growth and to reduce poverty through wider distribution of economic gains."

"Promoting harmony"

He said the Government was tackling extremism by promoting moderation, tolerance and harmony, the true values of Islam. Explaining the efforts being made to discourage religious extremism, Gen. Musharraf said an effective check would be ensured on misuse of mosque loudspeakers and publication and propagation of hate material.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

International

News: Front Page | National | Tamil Nadu | Andhra Pradesh | Karnataka | Kerala | New Delhi | Other States | International | Opinion | Business | Sport | Miscellaneous | Engagements |
Advts: Classifieds | Employment | Updates: Breaking News |