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Musharraf To Meet Bush Amid Concerns Over India
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Musharraf
seeks U.S. mediation over Kashmir and the new Indian nuclear test.
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WASHINGTON, Feb. 13 (IslamOnline & News Agencies) – U.S. President George W. Bush meets here Wednesday with visiting Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf, who is concerned over a possible new nuclear test by India and is seeking outside mediation to resolve the Kashmir dispute with the same neighbor, news agencies reported.
As Musharraf began his three-day visit to the U.S. capital Tuesday, February 12, hopes rose for the release of U.S. journalist Daniel Pearl, 38, as police in Pakistan seized the top suspect in his kidnapping three weeks ago, Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported.
Musharraf caused a stir Tuesday at an event hosted by two Washington think-tanks when he referred to the nuclear arms race in South Asia and condemned India's launch last month of a nuclear-capable missile.
"The missile test carried out by India and some information, some news even, of maybe a possibility of a nuclear test is most untimely and may I also say provocative," Musharraf said.
Questioned later on the allegation, Musharraf said "there were certainly indications."
"I did share these with the U.S. leadership. I can't give conclusive evidence of it, but I thought if at all there was a possibility, it should be checked," he said at an event hosted by the Woodrow Wilson Institute and the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
Musharraf did not elaborate further, nor did he provide proposed dates or locations of the test or if it was merely planned or had taken place.
There was no immediate U.S. comment on the claim.
India shocked the world in May 1998 when it conducted a series of nuclear weapons tests. Despite intense foreign pressure, Pakistan followed suit, raising the terrifying prospect of a war between the neighbors and arch-rivals.
Musharraf argued that Pakistan desired peace with India, but he warned in what appeared to be a call for U.S. involvement, that true peace could only thrive with a resolution to the rivals' bloody duel over Kashmir.
"Bilateralism has failed, and therefore, I believe there is a requirement for mediation, or facilitation in resolving the disputes between India and Pakistan."
"Kashmir is a dispute that needs to be addressed through dialogue."
India is adamantly opposed to international mediation and U.S. officials say they will only become involved at the request of both parties.
In an interview late Tuesday with CNN, Musharraf was asked his opinion about U.S. involvement in the Kashmir conflict.
"I personally feel the United States is the only country which can play a role in this," Musharraf said. "I am for mediation or some facilitation. And the country which can do it is the United States."
Musharraf later Wednesday will meet at the White House with Bush, the man who forced Pakistan to choose between its ties with the Taliban and its relations with Washington.
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"The
missile test carried out by India ... and … a possibility of a nuclear
test is most untimely and may I also say provocative," Musharraf
said. |
Aware that the choice forced Musharraf onto delicate political ground domestically, the United States sweetened its pressure on Pakistan with frequent praise, said AFP.
Musharraf was subjected to heavy U.S. pressure to launch a crackdown on Pakistan-based militants after the parliament attack on the Indian parliament in New Delhi, which India blamed without evidence on Pakistani militants.
The incident sent regional tensions soaring, sparked tit-for-tat diplomatic sanctions and caused both the nuclear rivals to mobilize 800,000 troops on their borders.
The United States, in return for Musharraf's support in its so-called war on terrorism, has delivered 600 million dollars of a one-billion-dollar aid package.
“After September 11, 2001, Pakistan's President, General Musharraf has emerged as a great leader in the world for his bold steps and decisions,” reported Pakistani News Service (PNS), adding that experts feel that the visit would start a new era of relationships between Pakistan and the United States.
“Pakistan has also given permission to U.S.A to use Pakistani air bases, share intelligence and put troops near the Afghanistan border to catch fleeing Al-Qaeda and Taliban members.
“In response for this co-operation, President Musharraf is likely to ask for the U.S. to open up its market to more Pakistani textile exports and other goods.
“Pakistan also wants a more formalized and less ad-hoc relationship with the U.S., particularly regarding defense issues. Another outcome of President Musharraf's first White House visit is to revive a joint defense policy group of two friendly nations,” PNS added.
President Musharraf said he wanted Pakistan to be a liberal, tolerant, progressive, dynamic and strong Islamic state, and he spoke in detail about the need for economic and educational reform, BBC’s online news service reported.
Members of the Bush administration have said they will urge the Pakistani leader to carry out his promise of democratic elections in October.
The other regional issue on the table will be Afghanistan. Pakistan will also be looking for debt relief and better access to American markets, BBC added.
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