Qureshi to raise Kashmir issue during meeting with Krishna

Rezaul H Laskar

Islamabad, Sep 6 (PTI) Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah
Mahmood Qureshi has said he would raise the Kashmir issue
and problems over sharing of river waters if he meets his
Indian counterpart S M Krishna on the sidelines of the UN
General Assembly session in New York later this month.

"If I get an opportunity to meet Indian Foreign Minister
in New York, I will hold talks with him and present our views
on all important and outstanding issues, including terrorism,
the Mumbai attacks, the composite dialogue, the Kashmir issue
and the water problem," he said.

Pakistan wants good relations with India though the peace
process can be taken forward only if there is a "solid
response" from the neighbouring country, he told reporters in
his hometown of Multan Saturday.
"We desire good relations with India but you can only clap
with two hands. Regardless of our desires, things cannot be
taken forward till there is a solid response from India,"
Qureshi said in response to a question on the likelihood of
improving ties with India.

"Pakistan believes that normalisation is in the interest
of both countries and necessary for peace and progress in the
region," he added.

Qureshi said no date has been decided as yet for his
proposed meeting with his Indian counterpart.

He said he had taken Kashmiri leaders into confidence
ahead of his talks with Krishna during a meeting held in the
Foreign Office on Friday. There was "complete unity" between
the Pakistan government and the Kashmiri leaders during
yestday's meeting, he added.

Pakistan's stance on the Kashmir issue remains unchanged
despite the government's announcement of a reforms and
self-governance package for the Northern Areas.

The Kashmiri leadership, including representatives of
the Hurriyat Conference, expressed satisfaction over the
package, Qureshi said. PTI RHL
JVN


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