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Clinton urges India, Pak to continue talks

C K Arora in Washington

US President Bill Clinton has emphasised the importance of the continuation of bilateral negotiations between Pakistan and India with a view to addressing the root causes of their disputes, including Kashmir, taking into account the wishes of the Kashmiri people.

In a joint statement issued in Washington last night at the end of the working visit of Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharief in Washington last night, Clinton reiterated his support for these negotiations and his expectation that they will bring results beneficial to both Pakistan and India.

Sharief welcomed the interest shown by the international community in addressing the Kashmir issue and emphasised his belief that the major powers, especially the United States, need to effectively engage in facilitating a just and lasting solution to the dispute.

The President said the United States was willing to lend its assistance to the bilateral dialogue if both sides requested it.

During a cordial and productive meeting and luncheon at the White House on December 2, Clinton and Sharief stressed the importance of the longstanding friendship and cooperative relations between Pakistan and the United States, the joint statement said.

They reaffirmed their commitment to further improve bilateral relations and addressed a number of issues of common concern.

The two leaders reviewed the security situation in South Asia and emphasised the need to resolve all outstanding issues in the interest of peace and stability in the region.

Sharief highlighted the centrality of the Jammu and Kashmir issue to peace and security in South Asia and emphasised the need for an early resolution of this issue in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

The two leaders reviewed progress in the US-Pakistan dialogue on security and non-proliferation.

The president welcomed the prime minister's statement made at the UN General Assembly regarding adherence to the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty and Pakistan's decision to participate constructively in the upcoming negotiations at Geneva on a Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty, consistent with its legitimate security interests.

UNI

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