Bush to push Indian, Pakistani leaders to end Kashmir conflict

UNITED STATES: US President George W. Bush said he would push the leaders of India and Pakistan to resolve the long-standing Kashmir issue during his maiden visit to the South Asian nations next week.

"I will encourage them to address this important issue," Bush said ahead of his meetings with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf.

Noting that the two nuclear powers were engaged in talks on the border conflict that had sparked two of their three wars, Bush said they "now have an historic opportunity to work toward lasting peace.

"For too long, Kashmir has been a source of violence and distrust between these two countries," Bush said in an address to the US-based Asia Society. "America supports a resolution in Kashmir that is acceptable to both sides."

Later, at separate roundtables with Indian and Pakistani reporters, Bush took pains to clarify that he meant "all parties" - Indians, Pakistanis and the inhabitants of Kashmir.

Bush said good relations with the United States could help both nations in their quest for peace.

"Not long ago, there was so much distrust between India and Pakistan that when America had good relations with one, it made the other one nervous.

"Pakistan now understands that it benefits when America has good relations with India. India understands that it benefits when America has good relations with Pakistan," Bush said.

In India, Bush is also expected to discuss with Premier Singh details of a controversial civilian nuclear deal they agreed upon last summer, acknowledging that "it will take time and it will take patience" to implement.

Washington, Thursday, AFP