Islamabad, Aug 07: No lasting peace is possible in South Asia without resolution of the Kashmir issue, Pakistan foreign minister Khurshid Mahmood Kasuri said today. Kasuri underlined the need for a meaningful and result-oriented dialogue between Pakistan and India to resolve all the outstanding issues including the "core" Kashmir issue.
About sending troops to Iraq, Kasuri told reporters in Quetta that no decision has been taken so far, adding Pakistan wanted that troops should be sent under UN umbrella and that troops from some other Islamic countries should also be included in that peacekeeping force. Besides it has to be seen what Iraqi people want, he added.

Replying to a question about recognition of Israel, the Foreign Minister said that no decision to recognise that country has been taken.
The minister categorically denied a reported statement by Nawab Bugti that Jiwani Harbour was being handed over to the US for its base and Mekran coast was being separated from rest of Balochistan. The apprehension was based on misunderstanding, he added.

"Pakistan is a sovereign nation and there is no question of handing over any peace of land to any one," he stressed. Gawadar port and other development work were being carried out there for development of the area and for benefit of its people, the minister added.

Asked about a statement attributed to Afghan President Hamid Karzai that "infiltrators" were entering into Afghanistan from Pakistan, Kasuri said that the Afghan President never accused Pakistan for such activities.
Bureau Report