Pakistan cant ignore Kashmir

ISLAMABAD - Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi would visit India in response to his Indian counterpart SM Krishna's July last invitation only if Islamabad and New Delhi agree on a comprehensive and meaningful agenda of bilateral talks. "We cannot ignore Kashmir while talking with India and we also do not want a cosmetic visit for solo photo session without pre-agreed upon agenda," Foreign Office spokesman Abdul Basit told The Nation on Sunday. He was responding to this scribe's question with reference to Krishna's statement on Sunday wherein he although pinned hopes on Qureshi's probable visit ahead, yet gave a message to "see the merit in constructive engagement and discard the posture of compulsive hostility." As Krishna remained mum on dates for proposed visit of Qureshi to India, Pakistan's FO spokesman was also not able to give out any schedule for Foreign Minister's visit to the traditionally hostile neighbour. "Our Foreign Minister would like to visit but only if the two countries could agree on a comprehensive agenda of his meeting with Indian counterpart including Kashmir," he said and added that it was not possible to confirm as yet even the visit in the place without an agreement on the agenda. APP adds: Talking to a private TV channel, FO spokesman Basit said the Kashmir issue must be resolved in accordance with the aspirations of the Kashmiris and the UN resolutions. "Without resolving the (Kashmir) issue, it is too much difficult to maintain peace and stability in the region," he said. "Pakistan is ready for meaningful and comprehensive dialogue with India on core issues such as Kashmir, Siachen and others." Pakistan had already held composite dialogues with India on various issues but India did not show any seriousness, he added. He said India should show maturity regarding the resolution of the issues to bring peace in the region. However, he said, it was not possible to resolve all the issues in accordance with the aspirations of India. "Only dialogues are not enough for resolving the strategic issues, but India should take serious steps to remove all the irritants and discriminations. Pakistan always tried its best to maintain good ties with India," he added. He appreciated India's statement that it wanted to maintain peace in the region. He said Pakistan had also taken several measures to maintain peace and stability in the entire region. He termed the Indian allegations of terrorism against Pakistan baseless because the latter was itself a victim of terrorist activities. "We are combating a successful war against terror and also taking several measures to eradicate terrorist activities from the region," he maintained. He said Pakistan was sincerely cooperating with India about Mumbai attacks, but the latter had not provided any information about the 'Samjhota Express'.

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