The Hindu : Main causes not addressed: Pak.

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Jun 13, 2002

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Main causes not addressed: Pak.

ISLAMABAD JUNE 12. Pakistan today said India has formally conveyed the steps it has taken to reduce tension and hoped New Delhi would soon announce further measures for resumption of dialogue to resolve all outstanding issues, including Kashmir.

India has informed Islamabad of the steps being taken by it to ease tension, including the lifting of ban on overflights, the appointment of Harsha Kumar Bhasin as the new High Commissioner and withdrawal of Indian naval ships from the Arabian Sea, a Foreign Office statement said.

The statement said, ``we trust that the Indian Government will soon announce further steps leading to the resumption of a meaningful dialogue on disputes between the two countries, especially the core issue of Kashmir.''

``In a situation where the Indian forces are massed on Pakistan's borders in a dangerous posture of confrontation, the Indian decisions do not address the main causes of tension,'' it added.

In another statement, a spokesman of the Pakistan navy said the Indian naval ships never came close to threatening Pakistan's maritime interests.

Situation still grim: Musharraf

The situation would remain grim until the forces of the two countries disengaged along their common border, the Pakistan President, Pervez Musharraf, told reporters late on Tuesday following talks with Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah in Jeddah.

``The situation will remain grim till we disengage on the border,'' Gen. Musharraf said. ``It is easing up, but as a military man, I have to see both (possibilities). ... Intentions (to resort to war) are receding but these can change anytime.'' After performing "umrah" in the holy city of Mecca, Gen. Musharraf on Wednesday left for Medina to visit the tomb of Prophet Mohammad.

`Denuclearise South Asia'

Gen. Musharraf suggested a three-point formula that included denuclearising South Asia and resolution of the Kashmir issue to maintain peace in the region. To avoid a war, three things must be achieved — South Asia should be denuclearised, deterrents be strengthened and most importantly a solution to the Kashmir issue must be found.

— AP, PTI, UNI

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