Progress on Kashmir not at 'desired pace': Pak

Colombo, Aug 1 (PTI) Pakistan has said that progress on
resolving the Kashmir issue with India has not been at the
"desired pace" even though the two countries have initiated
confidence-building measures.

"There have been confidence building measures on the
Kashmir issue, but unfortunately, things have not moved at the
desired pace," Pakistan's Additional Foreign Secretary
Asia-Pacific, Masood Khalid, told a group of visiting Sri
Lankan Journalists in Islamabad.

"The alienation of Kashmiris has to be addressed and
Pakistan is agreeable to a meaningful and purported dialogue
on the issue," Khalid was quoted as saying by 'Island'
newspaper here.

On Sri Lanka, he expressed Pakistan's happiness at the
Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) threat being
eliminated and said Islamabad hoped that South Asia as a whole
could be turned into a peaceful and prosperous region.

Khalid said he was pleased to note that his country's
defence assistance to Sri Lanka, including training, had
helped it in its military operations against the LTTE.

"We are happy that Sri Lanka has resolved the LTTE issue
and fully support its development, peace and stability,"
Khalid was quoted as saying by the newspaper.

"South Asia as a whole, has been in turmoil and we desire
peace and stability. This has been our point of emphasis," he
said.

A peaceful and stable neighbourhood will help South Asian
countries focus on important issues such as economic
development and better health and welfare facilities for its
people, Khalid said.

On the question of Pakistan helping eliminate the
remaining LTTE presence in various foreign countries, he said
that his government was already occupied with battling
internal militancy issues.

But as a matter of principle, Pakistan considers
terrorism a regional issue and has entered into security
treaties with various countries, aimed at eradicating the
menace, Khalid said.

Sri Lanka-Pakistan relations could be taken to greater
heights by improving people-to-people contacts and cultural
exchanges, he was quoted as saying by the paper. PTI TVS
DDC
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