No change in stand on Kashmir: Kasuri
By Asghar Ali Mubarak

ISLAMABAD—Foreign Minister Khurshid Mehmood Kasuri has said that Pakistan was standing on its stance over Kashmir that was to find out such a solution of the dispute which would be acceptable to all parties-Pakistan, India and especially people of Kshmir.
Talking to a newsmen channel here on Friday, the Minister said proposals furnished by President General Pervez Musharraf regarding possible solutions of Kashmir aimed to resolve it in a way which wouldbe beneficial and acceptable to people of Kashmir. He said Pakistan always desire a peaceful and durable solution of Kashmir dispute and demonstrated relaxation and furnished several proposals.
The Minister said India must give positive response to Pakistan’s proposals which were meant for finding out a stable solution. He said the Parliament and Cabinet of the country would be taken into confidence regarding any decision on the dispute and no one-sided changewould be made in the stance.
To a quarry, the Minister said the technical matters regarding de-militarizing Siachene could be resolved, if India demonstratesrelaxation and political courage. It could also be proved helpful in disposing of other matters.Agencies Add: Foreign Minister, Khurshid Mehmood Kasuri on Thursday said Pakistan has not deviated from its principled position on Kashmir and the proposals being put forth are only meant to change the status quo. "We have not changed our principled stand on Kashmir, which is a disputed territory and it is recognized by India, Pakistan and the international community," Kasuri said in an interview.
Referring to President General Pervez Musharraf's recent interview to an Indian TV, the Foreign Minister said, the President said nothing earthshaking to the television channel as he has said similar things on other occasions. "If there is a peaceful negotiated settlement, it must also be acceptable to Pakistan and India", he added.
Kasuri said, "the whole purpose of the President's proposals is to make it more acceptable to the Kashmiris." To a question, the Foreign Minister said, "Yes Pakistan is proactive. There is nothing wrong in being proactive." The President has made suggestions (on Kashmir), as "we want to live in peace and to focus on development in Pakistan, economic development of our population."
He said, "Our standard of living is improving. The GDP growth is on average of 7 percent and is likely to continue in future as well, if there is political stability in South Asia." Foreign Minister Kasuri said the aim was honorable settlement of the Kashmir issue. "There cannot be a dishonorable peace with India. Any solution..., which can arrive will go to our parliament, the cabinet and the people of Pakistan and India." "Off course the cabinet, the parliament will be taken into confidence, when there is something concrete."
Kasuri, however, made it clear that Pakistan has no desire to change its stand unilaterally. "It will only happen if India shows the reciprocal flexibility."
"We will only compromise, if there is any reciprocal flexibility by India. We want change in status quo. We are realist."
The Foreign Minister said, the proposals made by President Musharraf have caused some ripples, but he has said noting new. "Flexibility should be from both sides as Pakistan will not show any flexibility unilaterally on Kashmir."
"Let me make it abundantly clear, we will never accept the solution that the Kashmiris do not accept."
Kasuri said, President Musharraf wants lasting peace between the two countries. Pakistan has demonstrated political will and expects the Indian leadership to respond to Pakistan's suggestions, he added.
"We can only do what is doable. We cannot sell a dishonorable peace to our people. Peace with honor and that too on equal terms and hence it should be based on reciprocal measures and reciprocal flexibility", he maintained.
Foreign Minister Kasuri said, Pakistan is very serious about bringing the paradigm shift. "We feel it will do immense good to the people of South Asia who lag behind all regions of the world."
"If you look at various socio economic indicators, Europe has proved decisively. Former enemies can be friends..look at the period in which Europe has progressed. But Europe realized one thing that is, there has to be peace with honor."
To another question, the Foreign Minister said, Baglihar response is expected by end of December, as certain technical questions have been raised by Pakistan.
The neutral expert needs more time and the verdict will come by January or February, he added.
"We hope the judgment will be within the latter and spirit of Indus Basin treaty. Both India and Pakistan have vowed to accept the verdict", he added.
Replying to another question, Kasuri said, Siachin demilitarization technicalities were resolvable, if demonstrated political will by India. "The two sides are talking about it, it is a question of minor details."
He said, there was no pressure on Pakistan and India, as both were independent countries. Foreign Minister Kasuri recalled his first meeting with the Indian Foreign Minister and termed it very positive. "I came out with an impression from Mukharji that the peace process would be improved further."
He said the situation with respect to Pakistan-India relations was far better as compared to five years back.
"Atmosphere has improved; people to people contact have been established," he said and also referred to the improved sporting ties, eased travelling and increased trade.
"We should take advantage of this (atmosphere) and go for conflict resolution", the Foreign Minister remarked.