ISLAMABAD, Aug 3: French Foreign Minister Dominique de Villepin said on Saturday that the forthcoming elections in Jammu and Kashmir should be “free of violence,” but refused to state whether he considered elections a substitute to plebiscite.

“It is not for me to pass a judgment on this issue,” the French foreign minister told a press conference here after holding talks with President Pervez Musharraf, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Inamul Haq and other officials.

“Elections must be held in good conditions and transparent,” was the crux of his response each time the question was put to him.

The French foreign minister lauded the “courageous choice made by Pakistan” in the fight against terrorism.

Referring to the May 8 terrorist attack in Karachi in which 11 French engineers were killed, Villepin reiterated French defence minister’s earlier statement. “Those who committed these attacks thinking they could separate us have failed. This ordeal has brought us closer together,” he said.

Expressing solidarity with Pakistan, he observed that both countries had been victims of terrorism. “It is our common duty to fight terrorism.”

Villepin emphasized that after Sept 11 there “is an urgent need to build stability, show realism, determination and a sense of responsibility.”

Echoing the Indian line of putting a complete halt to infiltration across the LoC and a violence-free elections in Kashmir, the French minister stated: “It is very important that infiltration must end.”

When asked about France’s position on the issue of Kashmir and the continuing violation of human rights there, Villepin remained evasive, taking the cover of diplomatic jargon.

When asked if he raised the issue of infiltration with President Musharraf, and if so, what was the president’s response, the French minister said he was assured that Pakistan had done all it could to stop it.

The French minister also mentioned the October elections in Pakistan, saying France looked forward to fair and free elections and the return of democracy to the country.

Calling on both India and Pakistan to resume dialogue to reduce tensions, Villepin believed some progress had been made as he sensed an “increase in spirit of responsibility” on both sides. To bring stability to South Asia the whole region ought to engage, he said, adding it was in the interest of regional and global stability that Pakistan and India resolved all issues including Kashmir.

However, he maintained that nobody in the international community would be willing to impose a dialogue from the outside and that ultimately Pakistan and India had to agree to it.

Underscoring the need for a dialogue between the two countries, Villepin maintained dialogue was at the heart of any solution, adding that both Pakistan and India had a common interest and special responsibility at this critical juncture.

“I am confident of the ability of your country (Pakistan) to overcome historical differences and well-known difficulties.”

The French foreign minister made it clear at the outset that the main purpose of his visit was to strengthen bilateral cooperation with Pakistan.

Referring to the rich and diverse relationship that existed between the two countries, he said training of Pakistan’s high officials in France would start from next year. A French company, he said, would also assist Pakistan in the telecommunications infrastructure. Effort were under way to double the number of Pakistani students studying in France, he said.

MEETING WITH OFFICIALS: French Foreign Minister Dominique de Villepin held talks with Pakistani officials and discussed measures taken by Pakistan to defuse tensions with India, adds APP.