December 12, 2001	Wednesday	Ramazan 26, 1422

Please Visit our Sponsor (Ads open in separate window).

MUZAFFARABAD, Dec 11: AJK President Mohammad Anwar Khan on Tuesday called upon the European countries, particularly Britain, to play an active role in resolving the Kashmir issue in accordance with the wishes of the Kashmiris and United Nations resolutions.

“The European nations, particularly the United Kingdom, must use their good offices in the early and amicable settlement of the Kashmir issue which is posing threat to the peace of the region,” he said talking to David Quarray, first political secretary, and Bryson Richardson, second political secretary, in the British High Commission, Islamabad. They called on the president here at the Aiwan-i-Sadr on Tuesday.

Both diplomats arrived in the AJK capital on a three-day visit to ascertain the views of the Kashmiri leaders on the changed situation in the region with reference to Kashmir dispute.

The president made it clear that the Kashmiris were fighting for their right to self-determination which India itself had pledged to them at the UN. They would continue struggle till the achievement of their goal, he said.

“New Delhi has let loose a reign of terror in the occupied territory and is committing worst human rights violations. The Western countries must take serious note of it, because we believe that an active role of the Europeans can force India to provide an opportunity to the Kashmiris to decide their future status,” he said.

The president pointed out that since the Kashmir issue was created during the British Raj in the sub-continent, therefore Britain’s responsibility regarding its early and peaceful settlement was more than that of other countries.

“Your country should make India realize that Kashmir is not a territorial dispute, but the issue of the future of around 15 million people, which should be resolved with a realistic approach,” he said.

The president dispelled the impression that the freedom movement in the held Kashmir was receiving external support.

The visiting diplomats voiced their concern on the situation in Kashmir and called for advancing efforts to seek a solution through dialogue.