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Rediff.com  » News » Progress on Kashmir vital: Musharraf

Progress on Kashmir vital: Musharraf

March 23, 2005 15:16 IST
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Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf on Wednesday said that the rapprochement between Pakistan and India could derail if there was no progress on the Kashmir issue.

Speaking at a military parade to mark Pakistan's National Day, Musharraf said, "If progress is not made on the resolution of the real problems, the confidence building measures will lose their impact."

General Musharraf emphasised that the series of recent initiatives taken by the two countries, including the starting of a Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus service, would lose their impact if the Kashmir issue was not resolved.

The South Asian rivals have been holding talks since last January on a range of issues, including Kashmir.

General Musharraf said Pakistan and India would have to show sincerity, courage and flexibility for the resolution of issues including Kashmir.

"We have to find a solution, which is acceptable to India, Pakistan and the people of Kashmir," he said.

At the same time, he said that Pakistan would continue supporting Muslim separatists in Kashmir.

"We are totally with the Kashmiris in their struggle," he said.

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