Demilitarisation offers tenable solution to Kashmir issue: Musharr

Islamabad, Mar 10 (UNI) Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf today said Islamabad's proposals of 'demilitarisation', 'self-governance' and 'joint management' offered a 'tenable solution' to the Kashmir issue.

''The Indian leadership should come forward with a timely response to realise the fleeting opportunity for durable peace in Kashmir,'' he said while talking to delegates of a roundtable.

Intellectuals and experts from India and Pakistan are participating in the dialogue, with the aim of giving a boost to the peace process between the two countries for the resolution of all the issues.

The discussions sponsored by an international non-governmental organisation, Pugwash, were, however, held behind closed doors with organisers saying a consensus document is expected at the end of the conference on Sunday.

About 50 delegates including National Conference leader Omar Abdullah, Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) leader Yasin Malik, and representatives of the two rival factions of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC), among others, attended the conference to discuss ways to strengthen the peace process, proposals for self-governance and demilitarisation in Kashmir.

''I strongly believe that an environment exists at the moment, both regionally and internationally, for an ultimate solution to the Kashmir problem. The environment has never been so conducive,'' Gen Musharraf said.

He said Pakistan's proposals address concerns of all involved in the issue and added such a solution would neither require redrawing of borders, nor make Line of Control permanent, but make it irrelevant.

''The recent dialogue process and understanding between the leadership of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and me, should be grasped with flexibility, sincerity and courage from all sides,'' Gen Musharraf said.

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