Pak PM for resolution of Kashmir issue

Islamabad, Apr 16 (UNI) Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has called for resolving the Kashmir issue in accordance with the UN resolutions and wishes of the Kashmiri people.

His remarks came days after Pakistan and India decided to hold review meetings at foreign secretary and foreign ministerial meetings on May 20 and May 21 respectively at the conclusion of the fourth round of composite dialogue that the two South Asian nations resumed in January 2004.

''The core Kashmir issue must be resolved in accordance with the UN resolutions and in line with the aspirations of the people of Kashmir,'' Mr Gilani said in an interview with local dailies The News and Jang.

He said Pakistan would hold dialogue with India on the basis of equality, mutual respect and honour for being a good neighbour.

Mr Gilani added that the relations between the two countries were good during late premier Zulfikar Ali Bhutto's time and progress was achieved during the times of former Prime Ministers Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif.

He recalled that Rajiv Gandhi visited Pakistan in 1988, adding that Mr Atal Bihari Vajpayee came to Pakistan in early 1999 during the Nawaz Sharif government and visited Minar-e-Pakistan and signed a declaration for the resolution of the core Kashmir issue through peaceful means.

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