ISLAMABAD, Sept 28: President Pervez Musharraf on Saturday emphasized the need for reciprocity by India to lower tension and enter into a dialogue to resolve the core issue of Kashmir which has been bedevilling relations between the two countries.

He was talking to a 15-member delegation of the European Union and Scandinavian countries led by Charge D’Affairs of Denmark Sven Bille Bjerreard, which called on the president here on Saturday.

Gen Musharraf gave a detailed resume of the important issues in Pakistan and the region including the tension on the border with India, terrorism and forthcoming general elections.

On Indo-Pakistan relations, the president said although the tension was lower than before, but it might be due to the change in intent of India and not in capability, which remained as long as Indian forces are amassed on the borders.

He said in addition to de-escalation, there is a need to address the core issue of Kashmir, which bedevils relations between the two countries.

The president recounted a number of steps taken by Pakistan to reduce tension and pointed out that reciprocity from the Indian side is lacking.

Gen Musharraf stressed upon the need for a dialogue between Pakistan, India and Kashmiri representatives, without which there could be no movement forward with regard to the core issue of Kashmir.

“Pakistan welcomed any mediation or facilitation of dialogue by the EU or any one else, which India always sabotaged,” he said. Gen Musharraf reiterated that Pakistan would not allow its soil to be used for acts of terrorism both within and outside the country.

He also referred to the recent acts of terrorism in Pakistan and said our agencies were examining the possibility of whether these were RAW inspired or the handiwork of some other extremists or sectarian elements.—APP