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Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Sep 13, 2004

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International - India & World

Pakistan will not give up Kashmir: Musharraf

ISLAMABAD, SEPT. 12 . Vowing that his country would never give up Kashmir, the Pakistan President, Pervez Musharraf, has said he would convey his country's stand to the Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, in "unequivocal terms" at their meeting in New York later this month.

"We will not give up Kashmir, we have fought wars over it. Pakistan will have to ensure the interest of the Kashmiris. I will meet Manmohan Singh [on September 22] and tell him in unequivocal terms about our stand on the issue. We will not give up Kashmir," he told a meeting of Army officers and soldiers at a "Garrison Darbar" in Quetta yesterday.

`Negative impressions'

However, Gen. Musharraf said there was general apprehension in the outside world that whatever was happening in Afghanistan and Kashmir was originating from Pakistan. Pakistan is also being accused of nuclear proliferation, he said, adding Pakistanis are generally considered extremists devoid of tolerance.

"Wherever I go I am faced with these questions. I have been refuting their charges but they stick to their opinion about our people," he said.

Cautioning that Pakistan would face serious consequences if it failed to correct its image, he said: ``If the world is not satisfied with our explanation we could be subjected to bombardment. The European community could withdraw trade concessions on our textile industry from which the country earns Rs. 60 billion in foreign exchange through exports.

"It would result in closure of 50 per cent textile mills in the country. Economic sanctions may also be imposed and no country would trade with us. Finally our nuclear capability could also come under attack. We have to dispel these negative impressions about our country.''

Troops to Iraq

About sending Pakistani troops to Iraq, he said the country would not send its soldiers under the prevailing conditions in that country, but would consider it when other countries, especially India send troops.

He said it would be unwise and against diplomacy to close all doors, especially when the Iraqi Prime Minister, Iyad Allawi himself had requested him for sending troops. The decision may be changed if circumstances changed and a conducive atmosphere created.

"If... India sends its troops to Iraq, it would not be wise for us to stay away,'' Gen. Musharraf said. He also said Pakistan would not roll back its nuclear capability and added that during the past three to four years it spent more amount on improving these capabilities than in the past 30 years.

"Defence is the most important priority and all defence requirements would be met," he said, adding a strategy for the next 15 years had been chalked out to augment national defence.

"Our tanks are far better than those of the enemy. We will increase our mobility, communication, air defence and surveillance needs under this strategy. We have enough resources for the purpose. The two pillars of the country defence and economy are strong,'' he said.

Fugitive camps

Gen. Musharraf also claimed that fugitive camps to train militants existed in the Southwest Baluchistan Province and expressed his determination to set things right.

He said the recurring violence scared away foreign investors. "We want to invite investors to the country but they are afraid of law and order. The situation also affects the poor classes because they cannot get jobs if there is no investment.'' — PTI

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