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| July 8, 2002 | Monday | Rabi-us-Sani 26,1423 |
US urged to adopt new approach on Kashmir issue
NEW YORK, July 7: Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Maleeha Lodhi, on Saturday called upon the international community and the United States to adopt a “new approach of conflict resolution in place of conflict management,” to resolve the Kashmir dispute between India and Pakistan.
Addressing the 25th annual convention of Association of Pakistani Physicians of North America (APPNA), she said that in Pakistan’s view “there is readiness on part of the United States to help facilitate a process that would address the substance of Kashmir issue.”
Lodhi observed: “There is today a better appreciation of the perils inherent in an unresolved Kashmir dispute.”
She pointed out that since Pakistan joined the international coalition to fight terrorism, Pakistan’s perspective on the issues of regional peace and stability “is increasingly shared” by the international community.
“We have worked together to rescue Afghanistan from terrorism and collapse and bring about new dispensation over there. We are working together to defuse tensions with India.”
Reflecting on the turbulent US-Pakistan relationship, Lodi noted: “Pakistan has become a front-line state in the war on terrorism and is perceived as a crucial ally. Sanctions have gone, defence ties have been revived and the economic relationship is deepening and we have a profoundly different international image.”
She said that “we are building a relationship based on shared values, convergence of interests and strong institutional support which is sustainable over the long run.”
“Most crucially at this time we are not inclined to get into a dependency relationship. We are working to develop a partnership of mutual benefit. We do not seek aid, but trade. A partnership founded on mutual respect,” she emphasized.
She applauded the Pakistanis for complementing the government’s efforts at evolving good ties with the US government.
Ms Lodhi, who was presented with an award by APPNA in recognition of her services to foster good relations with the community, asked the expatriates “to continue to further strengthen your role of a bridge between your country of origin and the country of your residence.
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