The Hindu : 'Ready for ties with Israel'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Jun 17, 2003

International

International - India & World

'Ready for ties with Israel'

By B. Muralidhar Reddy

ISLAMABAD June 16. The Pakistan President, Pervez Musharraf, is blowing hot and cold. After his controversial remarks to a television channel that "more Kargils could not be ruled out' if the Kashmir issue was not resolved, Gen. Musharraf today said that he was encouraged by the remarks of the Deputy Prime Minister, L.K. Advani, about a summit between him and the Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee.

Gen. Musharraf declined to react to what is called the "Chenab formula" to resolve the Kashmir issue. Maintaining that the formula that divided Kashmir on communal lines as interesting he said, "we should not discuss solutions at this stage. We should start the talks first".

To a question whether he had dropped the main demand at the Agra summit that Kashmir should be the "core" issue, Gen. Musharraf said Kashmir still remained a core issue but it would be discussed along with all other issues.

Gen. Musharraf parried questions on reports of ban or restrictions by Pakistan on the activities of the militant group, Hizb-ul Mujahideen. Asked about the contradictory statements made by his Interior Minister, Faisal Saleh Hayat, on this issue, Gen. Musharraf said that he was against terrorism.

Gen. Musharraf hinted that his government Gas considering the establishment of diplomatic relations with Israel. With the possibility of peace prevailing between Israel and the Palestine state what with the West Asia road map being put in place, Pakistan would hold consultations with friendly Arab Governments and decide whether to have diplomatic relations with Israel.

"We should not overreact on this issue. We should give serious consideration. It is a very sensitive issue. We fought three wars with India but still had diplomatic relations'', he said adding that Pakistan never fought a war against Israel.

Gen. Musharraf threatened to take action against the Time magazine for reporting that Karachi had become a hub of Al-Qaeda activities. The report was not correct and his Government had "broken the back" of the Al-Qaeda in Karachi.

He would not comment on the performance of Jamali Government. Referring to the Opposition parties' agitation demanding his resignation as the Chief of the Army, Gen. Musharraf said he would not take out his uniform. "It is my prerogative."

He denied that he was the main hurdle to work out a rapprochement between the Jamali Government and the Opposition. "I am not the reason. The Opposition is responsible," he said adding that a majority of the Members of Parliament supported him. "The Opposition is in minority."

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

International

Stories in this Section

Hamas may declare ceasefire

'Open hearings' on Iraq on the cards?

Iran, Tajikistan discuss transport corridor

U.S. convoy comes under fire

Colombo offers 'temporary measures' to LTTE

Bali blast mastermind goes on trial

Terrorism tops ASEAN agenda

E.U. asks Iran to accept tougher inspections

IAEA seeks credible assurances from Iran

Six more arrested in Mecca plot

Marine faces rape charge

Estrada comes down on judiciary

Caution against epidemics

Jamali's sharp attack on India

'Ready for ties with Israel'

'No new road map'