Pak open to Europen Parliament's help to resolve Kashmir issue: Aziz

Islamabad, May 27 (UNI) Pakistan Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has said his country would welcome any help by the European Parliament to resolve the Kashmir issue.

''India and Pakistan need to move forward to find an early solution to the issue,'' he told memberes of the European Parliament, David Martin and Sajjad Karim, who called on him here at the Prime Minister House.

Mr Aziz said sustainable peace cannot be achieved in South Asia without the resolution of the Kashmir imbroglio.

''Settlement of the Kashmir issue will also enable the two countries to leverage their full economic potential to bring about a qualitative improvement in the lives of their people,'' he said.

The Prime Minister said Pakistan would welcome European Parliament's help in resolving the issue.

''Pakistan is a peaceful country and has no intention of entering into an arms race with India,'' he added.

Pakistan will, however, continue to maintain a minimum credible defence to ensure peace in the region, Mr Aziz said.

Giving an overview of the political situation in the country, he said Pakistan is a fully functioning democracy with an active parliament, unrestricted political activities, vociferous opposition and a rigorously free press.

He said democratic institution are taking roots in the country and it will be after a long time that national parliament will complete its full term next year.

UNI XC AK KP1946