Musharraf says Kashmir resolution essential for durable peace

Islamabad, Jan 16, 2007. Pakistan President General Pervez

Musharraf today said resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir

issue was essential for achieving a durable peace in the region.
He said this while briefing his top military commanders on the
ongoing peace process with India.
President Musharraf also expressed optimism and hope in the
peace process, while chairing the conference, which began in the
garrison town of Rawalpindi, two days after Indian External Affairs
Minister Pranab Mukherjee’s visit to Pakistan.
The two countries took a number of important decisions during
Mr Mukherjee’s visit to address outstanding problems and agreed to
launch the fourth round of the composite dialogue in March.
President Musharraf also expressed satisfaction on the progress
achieved during the composite dialogue for solution of the Sir Creek
and Siachen issues.
Indian and Pakistani hydrographers and defence officials yesterday
began the joint survey to demarcate boundary between their countries
in Sir Creek areas.
The commanders also had a comprehensive discussion on the
situation along the Pakistan-Afghan border.
”The President briefed the participants on decisions taken to
control illegal cross-border movements, repatriation of over three
million Afghan refugees and to root out terrorism from the country
in general and the tribal areas in particular,” said a statement
issued by the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The President also rejected the statements emanating from various
quarters, saying Pakistan was not fighting terrorism under any
pressure.
”Terrorism is a threat to our national security which will be
eliminated at all costs and Pakistan will not allow anyone to use
its soil for terrorist activities,” the President stressed.