PM Aziz calls for just settlement of Kashmir

Islamabad, Apr 15 (UNI) Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz today called for a just settlement of the Kashmir issue in accordance with the wishes of the Kashmiri people to promote a durable peace in South Asia.

He said this while speaking to the graduating cadets of the Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) in Abbottabad, some 110 km from here.

''All of us need to demonstrate courage, flexibility, magnanimity and above all passion for a just solution of Kashmir,'' he said.

India and Pakistan, which resumed peace process in February 2004, are currently engaged in the third round of talks aimed to resolve all outstanding issues, including Kashmir.

Mr Aziz opposed any arms race in the region and said his country was pursuing a national security strategy to secure national integrity, solidarity and economic sovereignty.

He said Pakistan's strategic capability was sufficient to meet current and future challenges.

''Peace is achieved through strength and not weakness and as a responsible nuclear weapon state, we adhere to the doctrine of minimum credible deterrence,'' he added.

Mr Aziz said Pakistan has also developed a strong command and control structure to protect its strategic assets.

UNI XC SC AT VC1825