The Hindu : Do not allow terrorists to block peace: Bush tells Pak.

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Jun 25, 2003

International

International

Do not allow terrorists to block peace: Bush tells Pak.

By Sridhar Krishnaswami

Washington June 24. The United States President, George W. Bush, told the Pakistan President, Pervez Musharraf on Tuesday that terrorists should not be allowed to prevent a peaceful resolution of the issues between India and Pakistan.

Addressing a press conference after a 90-minute session with Gen. Musharraf at the Laurel Cabin of Camp David, he said the U.S. wants ``to help toward achieving a peaceful solution...Our role will be to...aid the process forward''.

``One thing is for certain: that we must all work together to fight off terrorists who like to prevent a peaceful solution. There needs to be a 100 per cent effort on all parties' side. Every party involved with this issue must focus on not allowing a few to undermine the hopes of many. And the President knows that I will remain engaged. I will stand by ready to help. But the truth of the matter is, for there to be a final agreement, it's going to require leadership from both the Pakistan Government and the Indian Government'', Mr. Bush said.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Bush heaped praise on Gen. Musharraf for all his contributions in the aftermath of the terror attacks of September 11, 2001. ``President Musharraf is a courageous leader and a friend of the United States. America has a strong relationship with Pakistan'', he said.

Gen. Musharraf said the discussions at Camp David was not only about bilateral relations and the immediate situation prevailing in South Asia ``but have also reflected upon and shared ideas of our common vision of a peaceful and prosperous world''.

The Pakistani President expressed appreciation for Washington's ``constructive engagement'' in the sub-continent. ``... Our relations with the United States are a factor of stability in South Asia. We are grateful to the United States for its constructive engagement in our region and for its untiring efforts in defusing tension and bringing about a dialogue process between Pakistan and India aimed at the resolution of all outstanding issues, including the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir... ''

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