President seeks visible US role to resolve Kashmir
By Our Special Correspondent

ISLAMABAD—President General Pervez Musharraf Thursday stressed on the need for the United States to lend its support to the efforts aimed at resolving the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, which was at the root of tension in South Asia.
He was talking to a 7-member US Congressional delegation, led by Congressional Co-Chairs of the Pakistan Caucus Congressman Dan Burton (Republican) and Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat), which called on him here.
The President underscored the importance of moving towards a settlement of the Kashmir dispute in the interest of durable peace and stability in the region. The delegation expressed support for the peace process between Pakistan and India to resolve all outstanding issues between the two countries including the early settlement of Jammu and Kashmir dispute. The US Congressmen lauded the cooperation Pakistan was extending to the international community in the fight against terrorism. They also supported Pakistan’s efforts to promote regional peace and stability. In this regard they welcomed Pakistan’s valuable contribution in promoting the process of stabilization and reconstruction in Afghanistan.
President Musharraf conveyed the thanks and gratitude of the government and people of Pakistan for the prompt assistance provided by the US government, US Congress and the American people for the earthquake relief efforts. He informed the delegation of the relief and reconstruction programme for the victims of the earthquake disaster for the immediate and long term.
The Congressional delegation conveyed the sympathy and support of the American people on the loss of life and property caused by the earthquake. The delegation applauded the relief work undertaken by the government and expressed appreciation of the spirit shown by the people of Pakistan as well as the Pakistani community in the United States in helping the victims of the earthquake.
The Congressmen assured that the American people would stand by the people of Pakistan at this difficult time. In the aftermath of the earthquake both Houses of the US Congress demonstrated their solidarity and support for Pakistan by adopting resolutions which were adopted by consensus.
The Congressional delegation assured the President that the US Congress will be supportive and responsive to the needs of Pakistan in the wake of the devastating earthquake. The United States is providing assistance amounting to US $ 510 million for relief and reconstruction.
Assistance is also being extended in the form of emergency relief supplies, logistical support including deployment of helicopters, and emergency management assistance. Additional earthquake assistance is also being mobilized through the US private sector.
Five US private sector leaders have agreed to undertake a nationwide effort to encourage private donations for relief and reconstruction in response to the earthquake. The President expressed satisfaction at the excellent multifaceted cooperation between Pakistan and the United States. The delegation commended the President for the progress being made by Pakistan in the economic and social fields. It underlined the importance that the American people attached to the friendship and cooperation with Pakistan. The delegation assured the President of the commitment of the US Congress to further deepening of bilateral relations and to building broad based cooperation with Pakistan.
Other members of the delegation were: Congressman Al Green (Democrat), Congressman Steven Pearce (Republican), Congressman Joe Wilson (Republican), Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy (Democrat) and Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez (Democrat). The Congressional delegation is on a three-day visit to Pakistan. US Ambassador Ryan C. Crocker was present in the meeting.