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Terrorism-free atmosphere needed to resolve disputes: India

Daily Times Monitor

LAHORE: Shortly after President Musharraf remarked that the earthquake offered a lifetime opportunity to settle the Kashmir issue, India said on Saturday it was willing to resolve all bilateral issues through dialogue in an “atmosphere free from terrorism,” Rediff.com reported.

Indian State Minister for External Affairs E Ahamed speaking after General Musharraf at the International Donors’ Conference to raise funds for the earthquake victims said India was ready to undertake specific reconstruction projects in the affected areas of Pakistan.

“I thank you for the kind references to my country. It is encouraging to see that people of both countries have come forward to help the victims,” he said addressing Musharraf.

“The spontaneous outpouring of sympathy and goodwill for the victims gives us the strength and motivation to work for greater people-to-people contacts and confidence building measures between the two countries,” the report quoted Ahamed as saying.

It stated that responding to Gen Musharraf’s remarks that the earthquake offered an “opportunity of a lifetime” to resolve the Kashmir issue, the minister said, “On Kashmir, our position is well known. India is prepared to resolve all issues, including Kashmir through dialogue between our two countries in an atmosphere free of terrorism and violence.”

Ahamed said he was sent to Islamabad by the Indian government to offer support to the government and people of Pakistan in rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts.

“I reaffirm our support to these efforts that are being mobilised for the earthquake,” he said.

He affirmed India’s pledge of $25 million made at October’s donor’s conference held by the United Nations in Geneva.

“The Pakistan government would be welcome to use these funds for sourcing supplies from India. It is our wish that India’s contribution should be used for rebuilding schools, hospitals and houses. The technology available in India for pre-fabricated earthquake centres can also be sourced from this fund,” he said.

Welcoming Musharraf’s comments that Pakistan could get Indian steel for construction, Ahamed said, “We have noted your suggestion to source construction materials from India. I would like to convey the willingness of the Indian government to take up specific projects in education and health where India has wide experience and expertise.”

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