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Gohar calls on US to help settle Kashmir dispute

Pakistani Foreign Minister Gohar Ayub Khan has called upon the international community, particularly the United States, to help settle the Kashmir issue which was ''the root cause of tensions in South Asia''.

Briefing two American senators, Richard Shelby and Tim Hutchinson, who were on a two-day visit to Pakistan, Khan alleged that the Indian nuclear tests had shattered the strategic balance in the region, compelling his country to carry out its own nuclear tests.

Senator Shelby said they had come here as friends to have better understanding of Pakistan's security concerns and assess ways in which the US and international community could help in promoting peace and stability in the region and encourage the resolution of the Kashmir issue.

Earlier, the US senators were also briefed by Foreign Secretary Shamshad Ahmed Khan who demanded the withdrawal of Indian armed forces from Kashmir and effective measures by UN observers on the Line of Control in the region.

UNI

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