Musharraf says Kashmir resolution essential for durable peace

Islamabad, Jan 16 (UNI) Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf today said resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir issue was essential for achieving a durable peace in the region.

He said this while briefing his top military commanders on the ongoing peace process with India.

President Musharraf also expressed optimism and hope in the peace process, while chairing the conference, which began in the garrison town of Rawalpindi, two days after Indian External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee's visit to Pakistan.

The two countries took a number of important decisions during Mr Mukherjee's visit to address outstanding problems and agreed to launch the fourth round of the composite dialogue in March.

President Musharraf also expressed satisfaction on the progress achieved during the composite dialogue for solution of the Sir Creek and Siachen issues.

Indian and Pakistani hydrographers and defence officials yesterday began the joint survey to demarcate boundary between their countries in Sir Creek areas.

The commanders also had a comprehensive discussion on the situation along the Pakistan-Afghan border.

''The President briefed the participants on decisions taken to control illegal cross-border movements, repatriation of over three million Afghan refugees and to root out terrorism from the country in general and the tribal areas in particular,'' said a statement issued by the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR).

The President also rejected the statements emanating from various quarters, saying Pakistan was not fighting terrorism under any pressure.

''Terrorism is a threat to our national security which will be eliminated at all costs and Pakistan will not allow anyone to use its soil for terrorist activities,'' the President stressed.

UNI