Situation conducive for resolving all unsettled problems:Sinha

Srinagar, May 10 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Governor Lt General (Retd) S K Sinha today said the situation between India and Pakistan is conducive for resolving all unsettled problems.

The Indfia-Pakistan relations had taken a dramatic and favourable turn during the past couple of years and there had been flexibility in the approach towards solving problems on both the sides, General Sinha told British High Commissioner in India Sir Richard Stagg at Raj Bhavan here.

Gen Sinha hoped that restoration of democracy in Pakistan would further strengthen the bilateral relations, which will steer the region to peace and prosperity.

He noted with satisfaction the depleted hostility towards India in Pakistan and said even the media there was no longer indulging in fire and brimstone against India.

''These are positive and encouraging developments,'' he maintained.

The Governor expressed happiness over Pakistan's march towards democracy, saying it will help the neighbouring country to resolve its problems. ''At last, Pakistan seems to have emerged from military dictatorship and we wish our neighbour to properity and progress', he added.

Gen Sinha also discussed the impact of recent elections in Pakistan and Nepal and said the polls under the international scanner had provided an opportunity to the people to express their will freely and fearlessly.

Asked how he envisions the future of the Indo-Pak region, the Governor said economic issues will dominate and prevail overthe political issues.

Through economic development, a peaceful Kashmir can be a part of an economic union in South Asia on the lines of European Union.

He said the concept of Nation States had undergone fundamental changes in Europe. National boundaries are becoming irrelevant in the wake of globalisation. Why should India and Pakistan lag behind,'' he asked, favouring soft borders.

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