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India, Pakistan rule out N war over Kashmir

WASHINGTON: The leaders of Pakistan and India, in interviews published Sunday by both the Washington Post and Newsweek, dismissed concerns that nuclear war could result from the conflict between their countries over the disputed Himalayan territory of Kashmir.

"There is no possibility. I completely rule out a nuclear war," Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee said.

Pakistan Chief Executive Gen. Pervez Musharraf also expressed confidence in a parallel interview that the nuclear threshold would not be crossed on the subcontinent.

"I do not think it will get out of control," said Musharraf, referring to tensions between the two neighbouring states.

"They know that there is a deterrence in place on our side," added Musharraf.

He made it clear that his government intended to do nothing to stop a guerrilla war there.

"I'm not calling for jehad (a holy way)," said Musharraf. "This is a natural outcome. Every Muslim around here is talking of jehad against India in Kashmir because Kashmir is not India. It is a disputed territory."

US President Bill Clinton will visit Bangladesh, India and Pakistan after this month to explore ways to improve security in the region and stave off a larger conflict over Kashmir.

But India, Prime Minister Vajpayee ruled out any possibility of the US President playing a mediating role between India and Pakistan.

"There is no role for any third party, however well-intentioned," argued Vajpayee. "We would like to solve the problems bilaterally."

Musharraf interpreted Clinton's decision to stop in Pakistan after his five-day visit to India as "a recognition of the importance that Pakistan has in the region and of the 52-year friendship we have with the United States."

It's also a recognition of the righteousness of our stand on Kashmir, "opined the Pakistani ruler. AFP