US to help in 'every possible way' to settle Kashmir: Jones

Rezaul H Laskar

Islamabad, Jun 25 (PTI) The Obama Administration would
help in "every possible way" to settle the Kashmir problem and
to resume the stalled Indo-Pak dialogue, a top US official
said here Thursday responding to Islamabad's request for
assistance in resolving the "core issue" with New Delhi.

"The US government would help in every possible way for
the resumption of dialogue between Pakistan and India and for
resolution of the core issues like Kashmir dispute and water
distribution between the two countries," visiting American
National Security Adviser James Jones was quoted as saying
in a statement issued by the Prime Minister's House here.

The statement came after a meeting between Jones, who
arrived here Wednesday following a brief visit to Afghanistan,
and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani.

During the meeting, Gilani called on "the world at large
and the US in particular to play their role towards resolution
of the core issue of Kashmir as well as the water issue
between Pakistan and India."
He explained to Jones that US assistance in settling
outstanding issues with India "would help Pakistan focus on
fighting against extremism and terrorism on its western border
to ensure peace and stability of the South Asian region."

Last week, President Barack Obama had firmly ruled out
any US mediation on the Kashmir issue, saying that dialogue
between India and Pakistan is the best way to reduce tensions
between them.

Describing both India and Pakistan as "great friends"
of the US, Obama had said Washington wanted to be "helpful" in
reducing the Indo-Pak tensions but cannot dictate to them how
they should resolve their differences.
Jones, who is touring the region to assess the security
situation, yesterday met Pakistan Army chief Gen Ashfaq Parvez
Kayani. He also called on President Asif Ali Zardari today.
Jones is scheduled to hold talks with the Indian leadership on
the last leg of his trip.
During his parleys with Jones, Gilani expressed concerns
about a possible influx of refugees from Afghanistan in the
wake of the deployment of additional US and NATO forces in the
neighbouring country.

He called for ending US drone attacks in the tribal belt
to ensure the success of Pakistan's strategy for isolating
militants from tribesmen.

Gilani also expressed disappointment at the international
community's stand on his country's efforts to combat
terrorism, saying "the world response to help Pakistan win
against these evil forces and to provide relief to the
dislocated people had not been adequate."

He asked the US to write off Pakistan's debt to help the
country overcome its immediate economic difficulties and make
up for the economic losses it has suffered in the fight
against terrorism. PTI RHL
PMR
NNNN



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