Islamabad, July 20: Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has asked North African Arab countries to urge India to enter into a meaningful dialogue with it for a peaceful settlement of the Kashmir issue. Musharraf hoped that Maghreb countries (Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco) would use their "good offices to urge India to enter into a meaningful dialogue with Pakistan to ensure peaceful settlement of the Kashmir dispute".
In an interview to an Arabic daily Musharraf, who just concluded his tour of the three countries, hoped that these nations "will extend their support to Pakistan's endeavours to resolve the Kashmir issue".
The Pakistani President said he had not held any contacts with the Israelis.
"Israel's continued repressive policies against the Palestinians and its refusal to vacate the occupied territories rendered the recognition of Israel as unacceptable for the people of Pakistan," he stated.
Observing that a new phase has started in the Mideast peace process with the announcement of "roadmap" for Palestinian state, Musharraf said Pakistan is monitoring the evolving situation and consulting friendly Arab and Islamic countries.
To a question whether there were any al-Qaeda elements in Pakistan, the President said, "We do not have any al-Qaeda detainee in Pakistan. They have been extradited to the countries concerned soon after their arrests."
Musharraf said Pakistan has been requested for participation in the peacekeeping force in Iraq but the matter is under consideration.
"Pakistan is working out the legal details and examining other aspects of the issue in view of the complexities involved before sending troops to Iraq," he said. Bureau Report