ISLAMABAD, Feb 14: President Pervez Musharraf on Wednesday sought the international community’s help to resolve political disputes like Kashmir and Palestine and for removing disparities between rich and poor nations.

He was addressing the opening session of a two-day conference on `Voices from Asia: towards a process for cooperation and security’ at the Institute of Strategic Studies.

The conference has been organised by Jordan’s Majlis El Hassan, Japan’s Sasakowa Peace Foundation and the Institute of Strategic Studies, Islamabad.

The president said dialogue was the only way to resolve disputes and to ensure peace and prosperity.

“Conflict resolution is the key to socio-economic development in the world. Poverty alleviation, promotion of education and resolution of political disputes in a peaceful manner should be given priority by the international community to ensure peace and stability.”

Explaining his three-point approach in this context, President Musharraf said the international community should integrate its efforts to fight extremism and terrorism, the Ummah should forge unity in its ranks and promote the concept of enlightened moderation.

He stressed the need for abiding by the UN charter in the resolution of long-standing disputes like Kashmir and Palestine.

Referring to the Kashmir issue, the president said the West and China should play a `proactive role’ in efforts aimed at a peaceful resolution.

He said there was also a need for resolving crises like the ones involving Iraq, Afghanistan, and North Korea.

“The disputes are a threat to peace, security and progress, particularly in the developing world.”

Highlighting the need to address the root causes of extremism and terrorism, President Musharraf said efforts should be made to discourage `extremist elements’.—APP