Kashmir central to Indo-Pak. relations, says Powell

By B. Muralidhar Reddy

ISLAMABAD, OCT. 16 Sharing the podium with the Pakistan President, Gen. Pervez Musharraf, here today the U.S. Secretary of State, Gen. Colin Powell, declared that the Kashmir issue was `central' to Indo-Pakistan relations and said it could be resolved if all parties engage with a willingness to address concerns in a mutually acceptable way.

At a joint press conference after the first round of discussions with Gen. Musharraf and his colleagues, Gen. Powell said Washington was of the view that the beginning of a dialogue between India and Pakistan was the ``most important thing that is needed now'' and he would carry the same message to New Delhi.

Gen. Musharraf said he had briefed Gen. Powell on Pakistan's desire to develop tension-free relations. ``I emphasised that normalisation of relations would require that the Kashmir dispute is resolved in accordance with the wishes of the Kashmiri people. Kashmir remains at the heart of Pakistan-India tension.''

In response, Gen. Powell said, ``I praise President Musharraf's recent phone call to Prime Minister Vajpayee and we too believe that the Kashmir issue is essential to the relationship and can be resolved if all parties engage with a willingness to address their concerns in a mutually acceptable way. Issues must be resolved through peaceful political and diplomatic means, not through violence or reliance on force, but with a determined respect for human rights.''

Differences ironed out

The Secretary of State, who arrived here on Monday evening to discuss Pakistan's concerns on the situation in Afghanistan, went out of his way to pat Gen. Musharraf for his `bold and courageous' decision to join hands with the international community in the fight against terrorism.

At the end of his talks here, it was clear that the two sides had ironed out differences on some of the contentious issues. These included the nature of a post-Taliban political set-up in Afghanistan, protection of Pakistan's interests vis-a-vis the Kashmir question, and the need for the international community to extend a helping hand to Pakistan in coping with the crisis in the wake of the September 11 developments.

In the past few days Islamabad has been repeatedly asking the U.S. and its allies not to create a situation which the Northern Alliance could take advantage of and capture Kabul. It has been emphasising the need for a Pasthun-dominated government favourably disposed towards Pakistan.

More important, Gen. Musharraf appears to have succeeded in selling the idea of accommodating the `moderate' elements within the Taliban in a future government. ``You can't export them. You can't send them to another country and you can't ethnically cleanse Afghanistan after this is over,'' Gen. Powell said in response to a specific question on the need to take `moderate' Taliban on board.

Gen. Musharraf said the situation in Afghanistan presented a challenge as well as an opportunity. The focus should be not only on combating terrorism but also on helping the country establish a durable political system, besides rehabilitation and reconstruction of the country.

The only sticking point related to the duration of the military campaign. While Gen. Powell maintained that the campaign against Osama and the Taliban would last as long as necessary, Gen. Musharraf once again emphasised the need for a short and targeted campaign.

The claims of mounting casualties in the military campaign have been a major source of concern for Islamabad, particularly in view of the aggressive postures by the pro-Taliban elements within the country.

Gen. Powell more than acknowledged the difficulties faced by the military Government, complimenting the leadership of Gen. Musharraf and making hints about generous economic assistance to Pakistan to cope with the situation.

Gen. Musharraf said he had had very useful discussions with Gen. Powell and his presence was evidence of the new rejuvenated relationship between Pakistan and the U.S. ``We discussed the whole range of bilateral issues. The two sides agreed to work together and strengthen cooperation in mutually beneficial areas.''

Gen. Powell said that at the moment the focus was on the terrorist threat emanating from Afghanistan - the Al-Qaeda and Osama bin Laden. But the U.S. would not stop there. ``We are also looking forward to strengthening our cooperation on a full range of bilateral and regional issues. I made the point to the President that... as a result of the actions taken by Pakistan over the last five weeks, we are truly at the beginning of a strengthened relationship - a relationship that will grow and thrive in the years ahead.''

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