May 20, 2007	Sunday	Jamadi-ul-Awwal 03, 1428

MUZAFFARABAD, May 19: The United States wants a settlement of the Kashmir issue because it believes that the maintenance of status quo in the disputed Himalayan region was not a solution.

This was stated by Dr Ghulam Nabi Fai, executive director of the Washington-based Kashmiri American Council (KAC) while speaking at ‘Meet the Press’ programme in the press club here on Saturday.

“The White House, the State Department, the National Security Council and the Pentagon, all wish that Kashmir issue should be resolved and that the status quo is not an option,” he said.

“But perhaps they may not have that solution in their minds which we are seeking. That perhaps is not their choice,” he said.

Dr Fai noted that an approach was developing at the international level that peace process could not succeed if the sentiments and aspirations of Kashmiris were not taken into account.

“The good thing is that the Americans are also of the view that any solution of Kashmir issue will have to encompass the wishes and aspirations of the Kashmiris,” he said.

He also called for finding more options for settlement of Kashmir issue.

“As a Kashmiri India is not an option for me. But I will accept it with full consciousness of mind provided the legitimate and accredited Kashmir leadership is involved in talks between India and Pakistan on the issue," he said.

"And as a result of such talks, if consensus is developed on any solution I will accept it," he added. Supporting back channel diplomacy, he said that it should also be tripartite.