May 31, 2002	Friday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 18,1423

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NEW YORK, May 30: Former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto said on Tuesday that a war between India and Pakistan could be prevented with the “change of regime” in Pakistan.

In an Op-ed piece in the Los Angeles Times “War is likely if Musharraf Stays” Ms Bhutto says: “Regime change in Islamabad offers the possibility of halting hostilities to permit a new government to make a fresh start.

“The voices of the international community, as well as the Pakistani armed forces, are critical determinants as to the calculations made. They will determine whether Musharraf resigns to defuse the crisis or clings to power in a show of nuclear brinkmanship.”

Lambasting Gen Musharraf Ms Bhutto said: “He missed an opportunity in 2000 to sign a confidence-building treaty with New Delhi. He carries the baggage of being the architect of the last major battle along the Line of Control near Kargil, which nearly led to an Indo-Pakistani war in 1999. His “lone ranger” politics pit him against domestic political forces polarizing the country.”

Given this history, it’s unlikely that dialogue proposals can halt the inexorable march to war now taking place, Ms Bhutto said adding “there is one way that war can be prevented, and that is a change of regime.”

Ms Bhutto, who was in New York on Tuesday also refused to say whether her party would support the government if a war breaks out against India.

Ms Bhutto observed that “a military setback would mean trouble for Musharraf. Far better for him and the region that he agree to a regime change to prevent the start of armed hostilities that could trigger a nuclear nightmare.

“And far better for New Delhi to accept such a regime change as face-saving than allow a limited war that could spill out of control. New Delhi should consider that Islamabad could do well in a war that is limited in area and time. Pakistan’s military is well equipped.”

“New Delhi will reflect before starting a military action that lacks the support of Washington. But it enjoys far greater freedom of action than Islamabad did during the Kargil fighting.