Mufti welcomes proposed Manmohan-Musharraf meet in Havana

Srinagar, Sep 2 (UNI) Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed has described as a welcome development the proposed meeting between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf on the sidelines of NAM Summit in Havana.

In a statement here, he expressed optimism that the meeting would facilitate continuation of the ongoing peace process.

Mr Sayeed said continuation of the peace process was not only in the interest of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, but the entire sub-continent. The India-Pakistan relations have a direct impact on the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, he added.

Mr Sayeed said the people have pinned their hopes on the peace process as they, for the first time, see some movement forward towards the peaceful and amicable settlement of the Kashmir issue.

The former Chief Minister said it has always been his firm belief that the peace process was irreversible. The present strain in relations was a temporary phenomenon that would soon transform into a new beginning for peace and reconciliation, he added.

The PDP leader said there could be no better opportunity than the one provided by the NAM summit, where Dr Singh and Gen Musharraf, leaving behind the recent bitterness in relations, would make a fresh beginning to put the peace process back on track.

History has offered both the countries a golden opportunity to resolve all the contentious issues, including Jammu and Kashmir to pave the way for vigorous economic development of both the countries, he added.

''I am hopeful that both the leaders would explore the ways and means on how to carry forward the peace process and set the agenda for peace and progress of the region,'' Mr Sayeed said, adding that it would be the greatest gift of Dr Singh and Gen Musharraf for their people.

He said instead of being cowed down by incidents of violence, both the countries should stand firm on the path of peace and reconciliation, which would be the best rebuff to the saboteurs of the peace process.

UNI AG AK DS1616