Musharraf rejects Lahore process

NEW DELHI, APRIL 6. The Pakistan Chief Executive, Gen. Pervez Musharraf, has virtually rejected the Lahore process stating it did not address the main issue of Kashmir.

``I don't see it (Lahore process) as a low or even the high point because, really, the Lahore summit was not addressing the main issue. It is just a process which would never have carried forward the dialogue in a concrete manner,'' he said in an interview with noted journalist, Mr. M. J. Akbar.

He said everyone must realise that the Kashmir problem was the main source of tension between India and Pakistan for which the two countries had fought wars. ``Anybody who thinks that Pakistan and India can get very chummy, friendly and cooperate without a solution to the Kashmir issue, is not a practical and realistic individual.''

He had even suggested to the Pakistan Government to include Kashmir in the final draft of the Lahore summit. The ultimate draft gave the impression that Kashmir was a minor irritant between the two countries and there were many other big issues among them.

``I think it should be Kashmir and all other issues and not all other issues and Kashmir. It ought to be like that if we are realistic and want to improve relations.''

Gen. Musharraf also expressed regret over India's decision not to play in Sharjah and said as far as cricket was concerned the two countries should start playing without ``talks''.

- UNI, PTI

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