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AJK PM for third party

mediation on Kashmir

ISLAMABAD: AJK Prime Minister Barrister Sultan Mahmood has demanded "third party mediation" to solve the Kashmir issue on the principles of self-determination.

Addressing a press conference here on Sunday, he said that the US President Bill Clinton during his visit to South Asia should play his role and take initiative for the settlement of this old dispute.

He, on behalf of Kashmiris, he has requested President Clinton to visit Muzaffarabad or at least meet the Kashmiri leadership during his visit to Islamabad because Kashmiris can present the issue in a better way.

Kashmiris have great expectations from Clinton, he said and hoped that the matter would be discussed for peace in the region.

Sultan said that European Parliament on Thursday last passed a resolution on Kashmir and asked its Foreign Relations Committee to submit a report in this regard within two weeks.

The parliament also condemned the constant and unacceptable daily violations of human rights in Occupied Kashmir, he added. The prime minister said this resolution will support the Kashmir cause and Clinton to discuss the matter strongly.

He said that on March 1, 2000, All Parties Kashmir Committee was formed in European Parliament and a resolution was passed after one week were 177 votes cast in favour and only one was against it. He appreciated the key role played by the Overseas Kashmiris in this regard to get a moral and diplomatic success.

To a question about the President Clinton's visit, he said that he has sent a request to him through US embassy and Pakistani Foreign Office to visit Muzaffarabad but he has not yet received any reply.

He said that Clinton is likely to meet a delegation of APHC at New Delhi hence should meet the Kashmiri leadership in Islamabad also.

He said that Clinton during his tenure, has solved a number of global problems and hoped, he will take initiative to solve the Kashmir issue also.

Replying to a question he said that India had increased its defence budget and after threats from Indian leader Vajpayee, chances of an atomic war between India and Pakistan could not be ruled out.

He also said that the people of AJK had liberated this area from Indian yoke through their courage and will defend themselves.ÑAPP