01 October 2004	Friday	15 Shaban 1425

ISLAMABAD, Sept 30: Former prime minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Barrister Sultan Mehmood Chaudhry on Thursday said Kashmir had shot up on the US and EU priority list after 9/11 as the West was concerned about trouble spots which according to them bred "Jihadi tendencies."

Speaking at a press conference, Mr Mahmood said the western world was interested in resolution of the Kashmir issue for two reasons: first to curb "militant" activities in Kashmir and secondly to dismantle Pakistan's missile and nuclear programmes.

He questioned the pressure exerted by the western world on Pakistan to cut down its defence forces and missile programme, as it was necessary for security of the country.

"India is experimenting its missiles and upgrading its forces that's why Pakistan should do the same for its security," he said. He said he would lodge a petition in the International Court against the illegal barrier being installed by the Indian authorities along the Line of Control (LoC).

Mr Mehmood said he planned to visit European countries for promoting solidarity on the Kashmir issue. He said he would also hold a protest demonstration on the occasion Indian prime minister's arrival in Holland on October 14.

The Kashmiri leader said he believed in settlement of the dispute through talks and demanded that Kashmiri leadership should be given representation in the dialogue process. Any solution to the dispute should be in line with the relevant UN resolutions, he added.