Gilani says Kashmir issue holds key to durable peace in Gilani says Kashmir issue holds key to durable peace in region

Islamabad, Jun 2 (PTI) Claiming that the Kashmir issue
holds the key to durable peace in the region, Pakistan Premier
Yousuf Raza Gilani Tuesday sought a "constructive and
purposeful" dialogue with India to resolve the problem.

"Pakistan remains committed to finding a just and
peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with
the UN Security Council resolutions and aspirations of the
Kashmiri people," Gilani said addressing a meeting here.

Expressing Pakistan's "political, moral and diplomatic
support to the Kashmiri people for their right to self
determination," he said the issue must be resolved peacefully.

"Pakistan would like to engage in a constructive and
purposeful dialogue with India to resolve the issue," the
Pakistan Prime Minister said.

He claimed that the Kashmir issue "holds the key to
durable peace in the region" and said that it must be resolved
through "sincere dialogue" in order to open up vast
opportunities for the socio-economic development of the South
Asian region.

His comments came days after the Congress-led UPA
government assumed office for the second five-year term in
India.

Pressing for a resumption of the composite dialogue
between India and Pakistan, Gilani listed the Srinagar-
Muzaffarabad bus service and commencement of cross-LoC trade
as Kashmir-related confidence building measures implemented
during the past few years.

"Following the Mumbai incident, India has put a pause on
the composite dialogue. Pakistan has stressed the need for
engagement and resumption of the composite dialogue.

"We have pressed upon India that focus of the efforts of
the two countries should remain on countering terrorism which
is the real issue and not mutual recrimination," Gilani said.

Gilani hoped that the peace process would resume soon
and "become result-oriented in addressing all outstanding
issues, including J-K". PTI SKT
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