MQM USA on Foreign Affairs. Central Organizer Speaks with the APP, welcoming taking of firm measures to seek amicable resolution of matters between India and Pakistan. (May-08-2005)


WASHINGTON DC (APP)- Mr. Ibad U. Rehman, Central Organizer, MQM USA, welcomed taking of "additional and firm measures" to consolidate dialogue process between Pakistan and India, to seek amicable resolution of matters and promote bilateral trade and exchanges.

He was asked to comment on the agreement arrived at and announcement of new initiatives at the summit level talks held by President General Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, in New Delhi last month.

Talking to APP, he said the MQM's position on peaceful, close and stable relationship between Pakistan and India has "all along  been very clear and categorical." "The two neighbors have no choice but to take steps to strengthen level of confidence, come closer to each other, expand trade and commerce." "It is not an era to accept hegemonistic designs, it is a time to extend mutual sentiments of trust and togetherness," he added.

On Kashmir issue, Mr. Ibad said the MQM believes that the three parties- Pakistan, India and Kashmiris- must strive to find a bilateral and peaceful solution, based on the laid down U.N.  resolutions. He impressed the need for adopting and maintaining  flexibility in the known stands of both the countries, in respect of  Kashmir.

He said it was abundantly clear that no military solution of issues was possible, and instead of confronting each other, Pakistan and India should concentrate on alleviating sufferings of the two people by striving to provide them basic civic amenities, and better  provision of health, food, and employment.

Mr. Rehman said that President General Pervez Musharraf had the authority to negotiate with India, on the basis of strength and power  and decide the matters in the best interest of peace, amity and progress. "Today, we evince very encouraging and positive signals from the leadership of both thecountries, and we have high hopes," he added. "Instead of sitting in the cosy comforts of capitals and deciding fates," he said it was only logical to know and ventilate the true sentiments of the masses in the field. Fortunately, the leaders of the two countries have embarked on acting broad- indedly and in the best interest of an assured future for the two nations. He said, it was MQM which had been "in the forefront" of pleading friendship between Pakistan and India, and it was encouraging to find  today that effective measures are now being taken to restore confidence and resolve  matters.

Of the MQM's contribution, he said Dr. Farooq Sattar was Chairman of the NA Foreign Affairs Committee, and the party has been extending effective support to the cause of peace, stability and  progress in the region.

APP--kr/gb