October 17, 2003	Friday	Sha'aban 20, 1424

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PUTRAJAYA, Oct 16: Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday said he would take up the issue of Kashmir with Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee’s during his visit to Moscow next month.

Answering a question after meeting President General Pervez Musharraf on the sidelines of the 10th OIC summit, Mr Putin said: “We have discussed the situation in Kashmir and now I have better information to relate on behalf of President Musharraf to our Indian colleague.”

He said Russia had always sought to play a positive role in the development of relations between Pakistan and India and “we will continue to play this role.”

Talking about Pakistan-Russia bilateral relations, Mr Putin said after President Musharraf’s visit to Moscow, the relationship had been developing positively.

“President Musharraf’s visit gave good impetus to our developing relationship,” he said.

Mr Putin said that during the meeting their conversation was very frank and he was thankful to President Musharraf for this atmosphere. “We have discussed bilateral and international issues.”

President Musharraf said he was “extremely satisfied” that the relationship between Pakistan and Russia was improving since the time he met President Putin.

We are extremely happy that the relationship has taken a turn. There is thaw in relationship and this is improving with passage of time.”

Earlier, the foreign ministers of the two countries held a one-to-one meeting and discussed bilateral and international matters.

APPEAL: The OIC, while supporting Kashmiris’ right to self-determination, has urged India to allow its delegation to inspect situation in occupied Kashmir.

OIC Secretary-General Abdelouahed Belkeziz in his opening address at the Summit expressed hope that a lasting solution to the Kashmir issue would be reached to enable Kashmiri people to exercise their right of self- determination. This would ward off the fear of war between India and Pakistan, he added.

He noted with satisfaction the resumption of diplomatic relations and easing of tension between the two countries.

He applauded Pakistan for allowing visit of an OIC delegation and hoped India would also permit a visit of occupied Kashmir by the OIC delegation.—APP