PM Aziz speaks his mind on South Asia, Pakistan, India

Islamabad, May 1 (UNI) Pakistan Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz today called for a "sense of openness" among the South Asian countries for sustainable peace and to swap the "trust deficit" with a sense of co-operation leading to the socio-economic development of the region.

Addressing delegates from SAARC member states, attending the South Asian Free Media Association (SAFMA) conference, at a breakfast meeting at the Prime Minister House, he urged the leadership of the region to resolve disputes and work together for building a better future for the one-fifth of world's population.

''Sustainable peace in South Asia can only be achieved if the voice of the people is given due respect, there is no interference in the internal affairs of others and a sense of mutual respect prevailed,'' he said.

Mr Aziz said Pakistan believes in having good ties with all its neighbours. He also added unlike the issue of trade with India, it ''unbundled'' the issue of sharing of gas, and offered an energy corridor for natural gas from Iran and Turkmenistan.

Pakistan has linked progress on trade with India to the promote resolution of the Kashmir issue which was vital for lasting peace in the region, he added.

''We believe it can build linkages and dependencies and build relations,'' he said, adding ''Pakistan believes in energy co-operation and the Iran-Pakistan-India gas pipeline will be an acid test, leading to broader cooperation.'' Referring to the Baglihar and Krishanganga issues with India over water distribution rights, the Prime Minister said Pakistan had to seek legal remedy, as it felt these projects violated the Indus Water Basin Treaty of 1960.

''As lower riparian, we have to protect our rights,'' he said and expressed the hope that the resolution of the water security aspect will help reduce the trust deficit with India.

Mr Aziz recalled the amassing of around one million troops along the Pakistan border in 2001-02 and said the two countries almost reached the flash point, but the issue was resolved by their leadership and ''friends.'' More UNI XC KD RS1812