Pakistan Urges India to Solve Kashmir Dispute by Negotiations

Pakistan on Monday urged India to solve the Kashmir dispute by negotiations and dialogue.

"India must pursue the course of negotiations and dialogue with Pakistan, with the participation of the Kashmir leadership, for a just and durable solution" of the Kashmir dispute, a press release from the spokesman of the Pakistani Foreign Ministry said on Monday.

"India's acceptance of these parameters will be a test of its sincerity. Otherwise, short-term cease-fire offers such as the one made yesterday could only be tactical and part of India's effort to impose a military solution," the spokesman said.

He was responding to a statement from Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee on Sunday which offers a ceasefire in Kashmir during the month of Ramazan beginning at the end of November.

"The holy month of Ramazan, during which Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) exhorted one and all to live in peace and harmony, is soon approaching," Vajpayee said, "the government has, therefore, instructed security forces not to initiate combat operations against the militants in Kashmir during this most pious month in the Islamic calendar."



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