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Our Correspondent in Islamabad
US Secretary of State Colin Powell on Tuesday said the Kashmir issue must be resolved through a dialogue between India and Pakistan and terrorism must not have any place in this process.
Speaking at a joint press conference in Islamabad with President Pervez Musharraf, Powell said: "I praise President Musharraf for his condemnation of the October 1 incident. And I will press upon both sides (India and Pakistan) that a dialogue is very important at this moment. We believe that the Kashmir issue is central to the relationship (between India and Pakistan)."
Earlier, hinting indirectly at Kashmir, Musharraf said the root cause of terrorism anywhere in the world is the denial of justice and oppression.
"I emphasised in our talks with Mr Powell that Kashmir dispute should be resolved in accordance with the wishes of Kashmiri people. It (the Kashmir issue) is at the heart of the tension between the two countries," he said.
On US-Pak relations, Powell said: "The actions taken by Pakistan in the last five weeks will strengthen our relations with Pakistan and I express my thanks to General Musharraf for his bold efforts in this crisis. We are truly at the beginning of a new relationship with Pakistan."
Asked what assurance had he given to Pakistan on the post-Taleban political set up in Afghanistan, Powell said: "Both of us have a common goal -- the post-Taleban government must be friendly and involve all sections of the Afghan society."
Asked about Pakistan's concern on the involvement of Northern Alliance forces in such a government, Powell said: "All elements have to be included and Pakistan has assured us of all help in the constitution of a broad-based post-Taleban regime."
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