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Pak expresses surprise at NDA's 'High Tea' boycott

Pakistan on Thursday expressed surprise over the National Democratic Alliance's decision to boycott the 'High Tea' to be hosted by Pakistan High Commission for President General Pervez Musharraf on July 14.

The NDA had announced that it would boycott the 'High Tea' to protest against the invitations issued by Pakistan to Hurriyat leaders.

Terming the NDA decision unfortunate, Pakistan Defence Spokesman Major General Rashid Qureshi said that it was surprising that so much fuss is being made about extending invitation to Hurriyat leaders.

He said that the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi has been inviting the leaders of the Kashmir separatist alliance for all its major occasions.

He added that such a move would dampen the wonderful expectations built by people of both the countries.

Asked why only the Hurriyat leaders were invited and not other Kashmir leaders, including Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah, Qureshi said one should be allowed to invite people of one's choice.

"It is unfortunate to impose your will on somebody else about whom to invite," he added.

He said that Musharraf has stated several times in the past that the Kashmir issue could be resolved in two days if both the countries displayed sincerity.

"We must understand that Kashmir is the main issue and needs to be resolved," he said.

Indo-Pak Summit 2001: The Complete Coverage

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