The Hindu : Solve Kashmir, sign no-war pact: Musharraf

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, May 06, 2003

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Solve Kashmir, sign no-war pact: Musharraf

Islamabad May 5. Amid fresh peace overtures by India and Pakistan, the Pakistan President, Pervez Musharraf, has said his country could work for a no-war pact with India followed by mutual reduction of troops and denuclearisation of South Asia if the Kashmir issue was resolved.

If the Kashmir issue was resolved and there was peace and security in the region, South Asia could be denuclearised mutually by India and Pakistan, Gen. Musharraf said in an interview to a Pakistani TV channel, ARY Gold.

``Our concern is our security. We have been saying that if there is no problem to our security, Pakistan and India can move to mutual reduction of forces and have a no-war-pact — this has been our stand,'' he said.

He was quoted as saying that the Pakistan Army could cut its size if the Kashmir issue was resolved.

Gen. Musharraf also dismissed reports that India and Pakistan agreed for a dialogue process following pressure from the international community.

``No one can put pressure from outside but there can be some suggestion for this purpose.''

Gen. Musharraf said the new peace move was initiated due to the prevailing impression in India and Pakistan that issues could be resolved through a dialogue.

PTI

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