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| 11 April 2004 | Sunday | 20 Safar 1425 |
Vital national interests to be kept supreme: Musharraf addresses cadets
KAKUL, April 10: President Gen Pervez Musharraf said here on Saturday Pakistan had always desired and sincerely tried to initiate a meaningful dialogue with India to settle all issues
, including Jammu and Kashmir, but stressed that the country would never compromise on its vital national interests on Kashmir and nuclear assets.
Addressing the passing-out parade of 109 Long Course, 16th Technical Graduate Course and 26th Integrated Course at Pakistan Military Academy, President Musharraf said Pakistan wanted peace with honour and dignity and on the basis of sovereign equality.
"You will be the custodians of our nation's sovereignty, integrity, honour and dignity. The army's deterrence potential is the guarantor of peace and shall never be compromised," he told the graduating officers.
He said a solution to the Kashmir issue, acceptable to Pakistan and the people of Jammu and Kashmir, would never be negotiated from a position of weakness.
"While we vow to stand by the United Nations Charter, make our contribution to peace and prosperity in the world, and negotiate sincerely and boldly for peace with India, we shall remain fully prepared and capable of guarding our national interests.
"We will never compromise on our vital national interests on Kashmir and our nuclear assets," he asserted.
The current global scenario and the demands of geo-economics dictated that the countries of South Asia "endeavour to resolve all their outstanding disputes through peaceful means," he said.
The president said the non-resolution of disputes between the two neighbouring states over the past five decades, had been the major cause of backwardness of the entire South Asian region, "which houses nearly one-fifth of the world population".
Congratulating the young officers, the president said the oath they had taken made them accountable for the protection of the geographical and ideological boundaries of Pakistan.
Appreciating the standard of drill on the occasion, he said the strikingly smart turnout and impressive parade bore ample testimony to the high standards of their training and achievements.
The President also commended the efforts of the training staff and instructors.
Earlier, President General Musharraf was presented a General Salute on arrival at the parade venue. He reviewed the parade and handed over Quaid-i-Azam banner to the champion Babur Company for being overall best company of the session.-APP
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