Islamabad, June 13: Nothwithstanding India's fresh peace initiative, Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has talked about the just struggle of Kashmiris and said terming it as "cross border terrorism" is a "dishonest portrayal of facts." Jammu and Kashmir is a disputed territory and recognised as such by the united nations, he said in an interview to a Saudi daily 'Okazm' which was published coinciding with his visit to Saudi Arabia yesterday.

Referring to the new peace process between India and Pakistan, Musharraf was quoted as saying by official news agency APP that Pakistan wants a peaceful and just resolution of the Kashmir issue and hoped a similar spirit will prevail in India.

Musharraf said that Pakistan welcomed Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's recent offer of dialogue to settle all outstanding issues, including Jammu and Kashmir.

"We are and will remain optimistic about achieving a negotiated settlement to the dispute," he said and hoped that "a similar spirit will eventually prevail on the other side and we will make progress towards a lasting peace in South Asia."
Bureau Report