June 30, 2003	Monday	Rabi-us-Sani 29,1424

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LOS ANGELES, June 29: President General Pervez Musharraf on Saturday said Pakistan would not be found wanting if India moved ahead with determination towards the goal of peace in South Asia.

At a gathering arranged by the Pacific Council on International Policy, he said Islamabad stood for peace and expected the same determination from India.

Referring to recent peace overtures, he said Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee had the urge for peace but added that the Indian leader should move with determination for the establishment of lasting peace.

He told the American think-tank that Washington’s staying engaged in South Asia for resolution of outstanding issues, including the Kashmir dispute, would be important for the success of peace process.

“The US president should remain engaged in South Asia as American involvement in the process will be very useful — the US should persist with its efforts for peace in the region as it is doing in the Middle East.”

Former Secretary of State Warren Christopher said President Musharraf had very clearly outlined Pakistan’s commitment to peace. He appreciated the president’s commitment to fight against terrorism.

WAR RULED OUT:: President Musharraf said there was no possibility of war between India and Pakistan in near future due to balance of power as there would be no winner.

Speaking to a group of Californian investors and lawmakers at a breakfast meeting, he said he saw no war between the two South Asian countries as long as the balance of power was not disturbed.

However, the president referred to India’s having multi- billion dollar arms deals with major countries and underlined that the balance of power in conventional weapons should not be disturbed.

“Pakistan is not for war, we desire peace and harmony and want a composite dialogue for resolution of outstanding disputes, including Kashmir.”

Kashmir, he said, remained the core dispute between India and Pakistan, and Pakistan would deal with India on the basis of sovereign equality.

OIC: The president said the Organization of Islamic Conference had to play a leading role in addressing political issues facing the Muslim world.

“The OIC needs to be more effective to help Muslims confront the challenges,” he stated in his address at RAND, a research institute on national security issues.

The US also owed an important role in bringing durable peace as it could help resolve disputes involving Muslims around the world, he said.

The president briefed the members of the think-tank about Islamabad’s stand on various regional and international issues and its efforts to move towards peace and sustained progress in South Asia.

He said Pakistan gained nuclear capability for self-defence.

“There are wrong perceptions about nuclear issues. It is India which nuclearized South Asia and not Pakistan. Our capability is for self-defence. The world should ask India to explain on that count,” he said.

RAND president James A Thomson appreciated Gen Musharraf for Pakistan’s key cooperation in the fight against terror.—APP