'LoC Is The Problem, Not The Solution'

Pervez Musharraf

Neena Gopal

The run-up to the summit had started off with you being quoted as being "open" and "flexible" about the talks. But the perception now is that you have taken a 180-degree turn to repeatedly emphasise that talks must focus solely on Kashmir. Why has that happened?

Is India trying to deflect attention from what you see as the 'core' issue by raining Confidence-Building Measures (cbms) on Islamabad?

Does it mean that in the forthcoming Agra Agreement—if one does materialise—should the Indian government not give you what you deem appropriate on Kashmir, you will go public with your disagreement?

Let me rephrase that, what would you like to see in a possible Agra Agreement?

General, on the other points of contention such as the Sir Creek, the Wullar Barrage and Siachen, it is said that Pakistan and India were close to an agreement.... Would you allow these issues to be discussed concurrently with Kashmir, or will they be held hostage to the Kashmir issue?

Well, this is obviously going to come up against the view of the Indian government which has reiterated over and over again—just as you have on Kashmir being the main issue—that it is just one of the many issues that bedevil relations.Only the day before Vajpayee told Indian opposition leaders that Kashmir will be discussed in the totality of relations...

Would you be happy if the Indian government admits, in one way or another, that Kashmir is the core issue? Is that the minimum you are looking for?

With only 48 hours before the summit, could you tell us about what you feel, what you would like, apart from Kashmir, to come out of Agra? Such as lessening of troops in the Valley...

Strike a rapport?

Did you change your mind about (meeting) the Hurriyat after jklf leader Yasin Malik's comments in an interview in London that 'he did not expect this of Pakistan'?

You did say you would leave it to India, defer to its wishes on the matter. Yet, a day after Malik's interview, you issued an invitation to the Hurriyat for tea at the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi. Many believe it's a 'storm in a teacup'. Did you change your mind?

That doesn't really answer it. Because if you say it's up to the Indian government, they don't want the Hurriyat to come to tea...

How would you describe your feelings as the summit approaches? Two days to go, are you worried, are you confident? What is it that is going through your mind?

The Indian government has made it clear that they have put Kargil behind them and are prepared to move ahead. But they do have residual doubts about the 'jehadi' elements. You had said you would examine whether you would encourage the 'suspension' of the jehad if the right atmosphere is created. Has that time come?

So, do you accept then that the LoC should not be changed?

The LoC, autonomous region, trifurcation...

Does that mean Pakistan is really seeking a step-by-step solution? Talks at regular intervals where Kashmir is discussed?

Why this utter silence on your part when India is raining cbms in what they say is a bid to create a better atmosphere?

So, is there hope for an Agra Agreement?

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'LoC Is The Problem, Not The Solution'

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