Islamabad, June 30: Maintaining that Kashmir issue can only be settled through active involvement of the US, Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has said though India was "allergic" to the word "mediation", Washington could still play a role to facilitate or encourage talks between the two countries. "India is allergic to the word mediation, therefore, the US could play a role to facilitate or encourage talks between India and Pakistan so that there could be some progress on vital issues," Musharraf said in a television interview.
He said it is the Indian stand that other countries should not interfere in the solution of Kashmir, while he still felt American involvement was required to settle it. Musharraf said Islamabad stands for peace and he expected the same determination from India.
"Prime Minister Vajpayee has the urge for peace but the Indian leader should move with determination for the establishment of lasting peace," he said. Strongly refuting allegations that he had struck a "hidden deal" with the US to receive the three billion dollar aid package, Musharraf said he has never compromised on any of the issues that affected the country's national interests.
"The $3 billion aid package was for development of Pakistan and for the welfare of people. I always protected and not compromised core national interests during his meeting with Bush," he said. Bureau Report