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ISLAMABAD: A global
adore both for Pakistan and India came in the spotlight
Wednesday with a ray of compact hope that the zest for amity
by the two nuke-neighbours would result into a durable peace in
South Asia, leading the regional populous to glamorous vistas
of socio-economic affluence.
Raying their emotions with a fabulous eulogize — the world
leaders, conveyed optimism that the two countries would
simultaneously put-in their best to solve all the longed
issues with the core dispute on Kashmir as the foremost as it
has been the root-cause of infuriating Indo-Pakistan ties, for
decades.
World Leaders, Media
Admire
With a hectic diplomatic style, the world
leaders — explicitly — those of the United States, China, UK as
well as many others established an instant contact through
diverse means with both Pakistan and India — expressing their
delightful contentment over the newest developments in the
region — with an emphatic hope that, side-by-side the steps,
listed in the Islamabad Declaration [2004], the two countries
would make compact, composed and comprehensive endeavours to
solve the Kashmir Issue to the satisfaction of all the
parties — involved, which also include the people of the
Himalayan State of Jammu and Kashmir.
The essence of the world leaders plus media comments depicts a
specific feature that all the issues between the two
nuclear-capable countries are ought to be solved with a
pragmatic approach, which requires an amiable environ to avert
and evaporate all kinds of perils to peace in South Asia — which
has already suffered a lot — due to three wars [1947-48, 1965
and 1971] — only due to the Kashmir dispute.
Colin Powell Congratulates Musharraf
The US Secretary of State Colin Powell telephoned President
General Pervez Musharraf and lauded his statesmanship in
furthering the cause of peace in South Asia.
He lauded the leadership of Pakistan and India on the latest
overtures and agreement on taking forward the process for
establishing lasting peace in the region.
US State Department
US State Department Spokesman, Richard Boucher said Wednesday
that ‘using the words 'historic' for the SAARC summit, and
'acts of statesmanship' for declaration by Pakistan and India
to enter into composite dialogue, the United States hopes, the endeavor would lead to positive results- though it is always
hard to predict results on a particular issue given the
difficulty of these questions.’
‘At the same time, we have seen the leaders themselves put a
lot of effort into getting to this point. We have seen them
take concrete and practical steps. We have seen them create a
momentum,’ he said by adding ‘we have seen what we would call
"acts of statesmanship." And we have also seen supportive
roles that we can play, that other countries can play in
trying to help them continue to move forward.’
‘So, we think they have shown, already, a fair amount of
determination to move forward and we think that will likely
continue,’ .Boucher said of the firm resolve expressed by the
leaders of Pakistan and India to resume dialogue process in
the month of February to sort out differences and resolve
their outstanding disputes, including core issue of Kashmir.
Asked to give his assessment ‘of an apparent rapprochement’
between India and Pakistan calling for "new talks next month",
Boucher referred to the remarks in this regard made earlier by
Secretary of State Colin Powell.
‘The Secretary spoke to this to some extent already, outside.
And I think it's important to remember what he said, that it
is a historic development and one that, I think, has been in
the works for some time,’ he remarked.
‘It's been taken through a series of acts of statesmanship,
decisions made by India and Pakistan. We have been very
supportive of that process and we look forward to continuing
to work with them and help them as they go forward into a
dialogue.’
The State Department Spokesman said: ‘It's a goal that we have
long supported, long sought.’
‘We think it's important for regional stability. It's
important for the whole world. I would add to that that there
are also ramifications for the South Asian Association for
Regional Cooperation,’ Boucher said.
He congratulated the conferrers for having held a ‘very
successful summit in Islamabad.’
‘They agreed to a framework to develop South Asia Free Trade
Association, adopted a plan of action on increasing property
alleviation and signed an additional protocol on combating
terrorism.’
‘So they're, I think, the dialogue, discussions between India
and Pakistan also open up opportunities, whether it be in the
trade area or the fighting of terrorism for the region as a
whole to cooperate even more closely,’ he observed.
UN Secretary General
Secretary General United Nations Kofi Annan has welcomed the
meeting between President General Pervez Musharraf and Indian
Prime Minister AB Vajpayee.
In a message the Secretary General of United Nations terming
it a wonderful news, expressed confidence that the talks will
find statesmanship and the leadership and the wisdom to move
the process forward.
‘I am extremely happy that the talks are taking place, and I
am sure Prime Minister Vajpayee and President Musharraf will
find the statesmanship and the leadership and the wisdom to
move the process forward,’ he said and added, ‘improved
relations between the two countries would mean a lot for the
region, not just in terms of reducing political tensions, but
also in economic and social terms, and it would be beneficial
to all the smaller countries in the region.’
Canada
Foreign Minister of Canada Bill Graham in a separate message
welcomed the positive development in relations between India
and Pakistan and said it was an important step toward finding
a peaceful solution to their outstanding issues.
Canada has strongly encouraged a dialogue between the two
countries, and I urge them both to build on the momentum
generated by the successful SAARC Summit, Bill said.
South Korea
The Spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of
the Republic of Korea said, his government greatly welcomes
the meeting between Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee of
India and President Pervez Musharraf and their agreeing to
commence dialogue for the peaceful settlement of bilateral
issues.
The decision by Pakistan and India to resume talks to settle
all outstanding disputes continues to receive appreciation
from the world capitals.
FMs of USA, China, and Britain
The Foreign Affairs Officials of USA, China and Britain in their
telephone calls to Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri
described these developments as "historic" and ‘momentous’.
.
They congratulated Pakistan on the joint statement by Pakistan
and India and the conclusion of the SAFTA agreement at the
12th SAARC Summit.
The FMs felt that the commencement of a composite dialogue
would result in a solution of all outstanding issues between
the two countries, including Jammu and Kashmir.
The three Foreign Ministers also conveyed their felicitations
to President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Mir
Zafarullah Khan Jamali.
Kasuri thanked the US Government and Secretary of State for
their engagement in South Asia and for Bush Administration's
support to the initiation of the composite dialogue process
between the two countries.
Colin Powell told Foreign Minister Kasuri that Bush
Administration will continue to take interest to encourage the
two countries in the process of dialogue which would promote
progress towards peace and security and economic development
of the people of South Asia.
United Kingdom
British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw telephoned Foreign
Minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri last evening and warmly
congratulated the leadership of Pakistan for the agreement
between the President of Pakistan and the Prime Minister of
India.
Jack welcomed the recent development in South Asia and
hoped that the commencement of dialogue would help resolution
of all issues including Jammu and Kashmir. Foreign Minister Kasuri expressed appreciation for the interest shown by Her
Majesty's Government.
The Foreign Secretary welcomed the breakthrough which he hoped
will take forward the process of normalization for the
commencement of a composite dialogue.
He appreciated the statesmanship of President Musharraf and
hoped the two countries would maintain steady progress in
their dialogue. Commending the momentum of their current
moves, he told Foreign Minister Kasuri that UK will continue
to take interest in the normalization of relations between
Pakistan and India.
China
Chinese Foreign minister Li Zhaoxing, who is in Africa
telephoned Foreign Minister Kasuri late at night from Comoros
to warmly welcome the agreement between Pakistan and India to
commence the process of the composite dialogue in next month.
The Chinese Foreign Minister told Kasuri that the thaw between
Pakistan and India as well as the SAFTA Agreement serves the
common interests of Pakistan, China and the entire region.
Li Zhaoxing commended the concrete results of the 12th SAARC
Summit which approved important agreements on promoting
regional cooperation in areas of Free Trade and Poverty
Alleviation and felt that these steps would prove beneficial
for the people of South Asia.
Afghanistan
Afghan President Hamid Karzai Wednesday applauded nuclear
rivals India and Pakistan's recent breakthrough in fixing
dialogue to resolve bilateral issues as very positive and
courageous.
‘The recent talks held between Pakistan and India at the
fringes of the SAARC summit in Islamabad represent a
courageous step by leaders of the two countries on the path of
peace and good neighborly relations in the region,’ Karzai
said in a statement.
Sri Lanka
The President Sri Lanka, Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga
has said the lowering of tension between India and Pakistan
helped in reaching many agreements during the 12th SAARC
Summit.
In a televised interview on Wednesday, she said ‘reduction of
tension between two bigger countries in the SAARC region has
definitely helped that is the main reason we have been be able
to sign so many agreements.’
She said if the good beginning can be carried forward to the
point where problems are resolved between India and Pakistan
it will be beneficial for all the SAARC States.
To a question that President General Pervez Musharraf said
bilateral issues should be included in the SAARC charter, she
said ‘political issues should also be at least discussed in
formal and friendly manner within the SAARC.’
The Sri Lankan President termed bilateral relations of Sri
Lanka and Pakistan excellent and said that both countries
enjoyed very good relations.
Bangladesh
Foreign Minister of Bangladesh, M Murshad Khan said resumption
of dialogue between Pakistan and India for the resolution of
all outstanding disputes is a positive development.
'The decision by both the countries to initiate dialogue is a
very positive development as talks are the only way to resolve
all contentious issues,' Khan said.
He said the leaderships of the two countries deserved
appreciation for their political acumen and farsightedness.
He said Bangladesh welcomes the steps taken by Pakistan and
India to normalise their relations. The region which comprises
one-fifth of world’s population needs to join hands and work
for elimination of poverty and to improve social indicators,
he remarked.
Murshad Khan said the signing of the free trade agreement in
the region will boost trade and economic activity amongst the
seven countries of the region and bring about a healthy
change.
Nepal
And in Kathmandu, Nepalese Prime Minister Surya Bahadur Thapa
on his return to Kathmandu from Islamabad on Wednesday praised
the agreement between bitter nuclear rivals, India and
Pakistan, to open formal peace talks.
Thapa said such a course would bolster security and economic
cooperation in South Asia.
European Commission
The European Commission has also warmly welcomed the
successful outcome of the SAARC Summit and said it represents
encouraging steps towards regional integration.
President Prodi, on behalf of the EU and on his own behalf
particularly noted the agreement to implement a South Asian
Free Trade Area and said all SAARC countries will reap
enormous benefits. This also constitutes a formidable signal
for strengthened regional cooperation.
In a statement released here he congratulated all member
states on this achievement. He said the range of decisions
taken and the significant Summit results represent encouraging
steps towards enhanced regional integration.
‘The European Commission stands ready to actively support this
move relevant cooperation if so requested.’
The release of the Joint Statement by India and Pakistan is
greatly appreciated as an important step towards normalization
of relations between the two countries.
The decision by the President of Pakistan and the Indian Prime
Minister to start the process of composite dialogue in
February 2004 is proof of their commitment to further
strengthen the process of confidence building and to resolve
all the outstanding bilateral issues, the statement said.
Pakistan's Political
Leaders
Leaders of different political parties also appreciated recent
developments between India and Pakistan to resolve their all
outstanding issues including core issue of Kashmir.
Talking to 'Pakistan
Times', the first independent daily e-newspaper of
Pakistan, the leaders declared the recent developments of
peace process between the two countries as 'positive'.
Senator Waseem Sajjad said
that for the first time India has shown flexibility on the
issue of Kashmir. Now, he said India has realized that peace
cannot be achieved in the region without resolving Kashmir
dispute. He said if the dispute is not settled, it would be
dangerous for the people of the South Asia. He termed the
meeting of President General Pervez Musharraf and Indian Prime
Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee on the sidelines of the SAARC
conference a 'historic moment'. He said, political will and
process of dialogue can find out the solution to any problem.
Leader of MMA, Maulana
Fazl-ur-Rehman terming the initiation of dialogue process next
month as 'important development' emphasised that Kashmiri
people must also be involved in the process. He also linked
the effectiveness and importance of the Saarc forum with the
resolution of Kashmir issue.
Leader of Millat Party,
Farooq Ahmed Khan Leghari said that composite dialogue was
step a towards the normalization and finding out the solution
of lingering issue of Kashmir. He said India has realized that
the only way to find out the solution of the Kashmir was to
initiate the dialogue.
Prime Minister of AJK,
Sardar Sikandar Hayat Khan welcomed the start of dialogue
process between India and Pakistan and appreciated President
General Pervez Musharraf for taking bold steps for the cause
of peace.
Member House of Lords, Lord
Nazir Ahmed welcomed the joint statement of India and Pakistan
to start dialogue process for the settlement of all
outstanding issues including Kashmir issue. He said that it
would be good for peace of the whole region and world.
Head of Muttahida Qaumi
Movement (MQM), Altaf Hussain said that for thepeaceful and
durable peace of the region, solution of all issues including
Kashmir was imperative. He also termed the initiation of
dialogue process during the next month as important
development. He appreciated President General Pervez Musharraf
for taking courageous steps to normalize relations between the
two countries. He also appreciated President Pervez Musharraf
and Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali for the efforts
made by them for the cause of peace.
Chairman Senate of Pakistan,
Mian Muhammedmian Soomro said Islamabad declaration would
further enhance cooperation among the SAARC countries. He
congratulated the heads of the SAARC countries on approval of
Islamabad declaration.
US Congressmen meet Jamali
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali has said
Pakistan pays regard to the support and appreciation of
international community for the recent positive developments
in Pak-India relations, said a statement here on Wednesday.
Terming the 12th SAARC Summit a historic occasion, the Premier
hoped this will pave the way for resolving all outstanding
issues between Pakistan and India.
The Prime Minister expressed these views to the visiting
delegation of US Congressmen led by Joseph R. Pitts which
called on him at the Prime Minister's House.
Jamali reiterated the commitment of his government towards
poverty alleviation as well as increase in the allocation for
health sector.
The US congressmen hoped that all outstanding issues between
India and Pakistan would be resolved due to the understanding
developed during the SAARC Summit.
They expressed the confidence the next round of talks between
the two countries next February would pave the way for
settling all outstanding issues.
The Congressmen, while appreciating the revival of democracy
said that Pakistan has done a lot in strengthening the
democratic setup and hoped the pace of institutional
strengthening would go on.
Global Media
The declaration by Pakistan and India to start composite
dialogue process in February to resolve outstanding disputes,
has been widely hailed in the United States, as elsewhere
.
The coverage and attainments of the 12th SAARC summit (Jan
4-6) have found a remarkable time and space in the electronic
and print media of the United States.
The Pakistani-Americans have a feeling of relief and hope that
steps are underway to give peace and stability in South Asia a
chance, and to concentrate on poverty alleviation, which the
SAARC communiqué has rightly identified as ‘enemy number one.’
No Substantive Progress sans Kashmir Solution
The others, however, said unless the core issue of Kashmir is
amicably resolved, no substantive progress could be achieved
in respect of a lasting peace and stability in South Asia.
The South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation — SAARC
Summit, which ended on Tuesday, saw the first meeting between
Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf and his Indian
counterpart, Atal Behari Vajpayee, since they came to the
brink of their fourth war in 2002.
The two leaders also agreed to re-open talks on the divisive
issue of Kashmir, which has dragged on for more than 56 years.
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