Encouraging signs emerging from India: Sattar

ISLAMABAD, DEC. 23. The Pakistan Foreign Minister, Mr. Abdul Sattar, today said that encouraging signs were emerging from India to solve the Kashmir issue.

In an interview to Jang, he said that as Pakistan favoured peaceful end of the issue, it takes such signs as a good omen for return of peace in the region.

Guns had fallen silent along the Line of Control and a war-like atmosphere no longer exists. However there was no change in Pakistan's stand on Kashmir.

The defence capability of Pakistan would not be weakened as a result of withdrawal of some military contingents from the LoC.

Pakistan had neither launched any attack along the LoC, nor resorted to firing against Indian troops on any occasion in the past.

Withdrawal of troops from the LoC would be completed within a week, Mr. Sattar said, adding that the United States and the Britain had appreciated the move.

Islamabad would warmly welcome a Hurriyat delegation to Pakistan for talks with leaders of militant organisations and the Chief Executive, Gen. Pervez Musharraf.

- PTI

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Section  : International
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