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Clinton asks Pakistan, India to hold dialogue on Kashmir issue

ISLAMABAD: US President Bill Clinton on Saturday urged Pakistan and India to hold a dialogue to resolve the Kashmir dispute as "there is no military solution" to it.

"India and Pakistan can resolve the Kashmir issue through dialogue," he said in a televised 15-minute address during his visit to Pakistan.

The American President believed that it is in Pakistan's interest to reduce tensions with India.

"When I was in New Delhi, I urged India to seize the opportunity for dialogue. Pakistan must also create conditions that will allow dialogue to succeed."

Clinton said, for India and Pakistan this "must be a time for restraint, for respect for the Line of Control and renewed lines for communications."

President Clinton said, he listened carefully to Chief Executive General Pervez Musharraf and others and understood the concerns about Kashmir.

"I share your convictions that human rights of all its people must be respected."

But, the US President said, the stark truth must also be faced.

"There is no military solution to Kashmir. International sympathies, support and intervention cannot be won by provoking a bigger, bloodier conflict."

On the contrary, Bill Clinton maintained, sympathy and support will be lost.

President Clinton said, Lahore process is the right road to peace for Pakistan and India.

"Last year, the world watched with hope as the leaders of India and Pakistan met in Lahore on the road to better relations.

"This is the right road to peace for Pakistan and India and for the resolutions of problems in Kashmir."

The US, he said, will do all it can to help both sides to restore the promise and process of Lahore.

Clinton asked Pakistan to intensify its efforts to defeat terrorism.

"Just as we fought together to defeat those who traffic in narcotics, today, I ask Pakistan to intensify its efforts to defeat those who inflict terror."

Americans, he said, have also felt the evils of extremism.

"Surely, we both suffered enough to know that no grievance, no cause, no system of belief can ever justify the deliberate killing of the innocent. Those who bomb bus stations, target embassies or kill those who uphold the law, are not heroes.

"They are common enemies. Their aim is to exploit painful problems, not to resolve them.

President Clinton asked Islamabad to be a leader in global nuclear non-proliferation efforts.

"The United States is dramatically cutting its nuclear arsenals. Around the world, the nations are renouncing these weapons. I ask Pakistan to also be a leader for non-proliferation."

The American President said, one way to strengthen Pakistan's security is to join the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty.

"The whole world will rally around you if you do. APP