solution to the J&K issue?

[Guest guest]

This is from a Pakistani newspaper but is good news, if

true. And if it happens - India can look forward to

achieving 8 percent growth and Pakistan too can hope to take

off from the position of being a semi-failed State back into

a growth curve. And greatest benefit of all - the nefarious

Chinese game of keeping India down by using the Paks will be

off.

 

Ram Narayanan

 

 

http://www.jang.com.pk/thenews/

 

THE NEWS, SEPTEMBER 1, 2002

 

KASHMIR TOPS MUSHARRAF'S AGENDA IN US

 

Acceptance of LoC as border, barring Kashmiri groups from

interferring in India's internal affairs, withdrawal of

Indian claim over AJK, NAs likely to be discussed

 

By Ikram Hoti

 

ISLAMABAD: President Pervez Musharraf will discuss a

strategic headway for Kashmir solution with President Bush

during his visit to Washington starting September 11.

 

The News sources revealed here on Saturday that a formula

for crucial shift from the present stance on Kashmir and

related issues enjoying support of a strong lobby of

generals, politicians, cabinet members, strategists and

experts in Pakistan had been formed into a package for Pak-

US talks during the forthcoming visit.

 

This package, they said, was expected to invite a tirade

from influential circles that want continuation of the

traditional stance on Kashmir, notwithstanding the perils of

such a policy some of which were of immediate nature given

the Indian impatience with what they call "continuing

intrusion".

 

The package, sources explained, was being given top level

consideration in Washington against the backdrop of certain

developments which include the US Marines-led chase of al-

Qaeda and Taliban remnants in the tribal areas along the

Durand Line.

 

Recent statements issued by the US policy-makers on the

issue have revealed their intentions that they are going to

make their stay in the region longer than initially

perceived and, for this purpose, they need some mini

garrisons in close but safer areas for logistics and

operational purposes.

 

The sources added that the US authorities might ask for

Pakistani cooperation that included provision of a base in

the Northern Areas, most probably in Skardu. They further

said the US mediation for ensuring a Pak-India agreement to

peacefully resolve the Kashmir issue involved a bargain

spelled out in the package to be discussed on the issue in

Washington during Musharraf's visit.

 

The bargain, they said, provided for recognition by both

sides of the Line of Control as a permanent border;

withdrawal of India's widely asserted claim on the AJK and

the Northern Areas, and, as a consequence, Islamabad's

agreement to make it clear to the Kashmiri groups that

holding elections in held Kashmir was an internal issue of

that country.

 

Such a sequel of agreements conceived by the three sides,

said sources, also involved a request from the US for a base

in Skardu for US forces for conducting operations against

terrorists outfits, and for the long-term safeguarding of US

interests in the region.