Pak PM Nawaz Sharif raises Kashmir issue with US Senators

Islamabad, Oct 13:

Prime Minister

on Monday raised the Kashmir issue during his meeting with a delegation of US Senators, saying it should be resolved in accordance with the UN resolutions.

Sharif, who met Senators Tim Kaine, Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Angus King, Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, underlined that dialogue is the only way forward between India and Pakistan.

A statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office here said that Sharif told the two Senators that the "UN resolutions must form the basis for any solution for Kashmir and people of Kashmir be made part of it."

"He asked the UN to honour its own resolutions on this matter. He said the only acceptable solution of Kashmir will be the one which is endorsed by all parties including Pakistan, India and Kashmiris," the statement said.

Sharif expressed his disappointment on the cancellation of Foreign Secretary-level talks between India and Pakistan. He also appreciated US support on Bhasha and Dasu dams. He informed the US Senators that Pakistan has seen improvement in its economic indicators and asked for better market access for Pakistani products in the US.

Pak PMO: He asked the UN to honour its own resolutions on this matter

He said that enhancing mutual trade is Pakistan’s priority area in bilateral relations. Earlier, Foreign Office said the Senators met Adviser to the Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz and discussed a number of issues including Pakistan's relations with the US and the regional situation.

Aziz expressed Pakistan's concern over tensions with India due to situation at the LoC. "He (Aziz) underscored the government's approach of seeking peace in the neighbourhood and expressed his concern at the current security situation along the Line of Control," the statement said.

The Senators appreciated Pakistan's efforts to curb terrorism, it said, adding they agreed that the root causes of terrorism must also be addressed. Aziz last week wrote a letter to the UN urging the world body to interfere to calm down the ongoing tension with India along the border.

PTI