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'Clinton should

take solid steps

for Kashmir solution'

ISLAMABAD: AJK Prime Minister Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhary welcoming the mediation offer by US President Bill Clinton on Kashmir issue has called for need for taking solid steps.

"President Clinton could play an effective role to help resolve the Kashmir issue in accordance with the aspirations of the Kashmiris", he said.

After presiding over a high-level meeting at Kashmir house on Monday, he said, emphasis should be given to the effective checking of gross human rights violations in the occupied Kashmir, during the meeting of President Clinton with Vajpayee administration.

He said "Clinton must take note of the grievous situation and steps be taken to avoid nuclear conflict in the region".

He said lasting peace could only be achieved through resolution of the Kashmir in accordance with the wishes of its people.

He pointed out that in the recent past the Indian hostilities have escalated the tensions.

He said "India wants to settle the issue thorough force and had been using all state energies to achieve this goal. The killing of around 100,000 innocent Kashmiris, is a clear proof to that".

Condemning India for arresting APHC Chairman Mir Waiz Umar Farooq, besides escalating crackdown in the occupied Kashmir, AJK premier said, India could not suppress the liberation movement by using barbaric and unethical means.

He said the Kashmiris are fully committed to get liberation from the Indian yoke and no bid can detract Kashmiris from seeking their just right.ÑAPP