I am ready to work as facilitator: Soz

Srinagar, Apr 3: Terming the Pugwash conference held in Pakistan as a good sign for restoring peace in the sub-continent, Union Minister for Water Resources Prof Saifuddin Soz said he was ready to work as facilitator for carrying forward the dialogue process for resolving the issues.

Expressing satisfaction over the participation of leaders from the state in the Pugwash conference, he said this is for the first time the mainstream parties of the Jammu and Kashmir have been recognised.

Mr Soz, who was nominated the Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) chief recently, said Kashmir imbroglio has been discussed with open mind in the conference.

He said all the issues could be resolved through democratic process which can be achieved by marching forward within the constitutional limits.

Prof Soz said some important matters with regard to Confidence Building Measures (CBM) are in the pipe line aiming to boost trade and commerce across the border.

He said Congress led UPA government in the Centre has done much for restoring lasting peace adding that dialogue process without Congress and Central government cannot be carried forward.

Prof Soz said UPA Chairperson and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh have time and again reiterated that their doors are always open for dialogue to restore peace in the state.

''I am always ready to assist any party and work as facilitator for carrying forward the dialogue process for resolving the issues'', he declared.

Prof Soz assured that democracy will flourish shortly, dialogue will continue and peace again prevails in the Jammu and Kashmir State, adding that government and his party would continue its interaction with the people as several political issue need to be solved soon.

UNI