Islamabad: Alleging that lack of reciprocity by India has resulted in continuing tensions between the two countries, President Pervez Musharraf has called for tripartite dialogue between India, Pakistan and representatives of Kashmir to resolve the issue.

Musharraf told a delegation of European Union and Scandinavian countries that although the tensions between the two countries were lower than before, it could be because of a change in Indian intent and not in its capability.

Saying that tensions would remain as long as Indian forces remained mobilised at the borders, he recounted a number of steps taken by Pakistan to reduce tension and pointed out to the "lack of reciprocity" from the Indian side.

In addition to de-escalation, he said there was a need to address the Kashmir issue and stressed the need for a dialogue between Pakistan, India and Kashmiri representatives.

He said that Pakistan had welcomed any mediation or facilitation of dialogue by the EU and accused India of sabotaging efforts for third party mediation.

Stating that Pakistan would not allow its soil to be used for terrorism, he pointed to the operations being conducted against al-Qaida and Taleban militants.

He claimed that Pakistan was under no pressure from anyone in this regard but it sincerely believed that it was in the national interest to root out the menace of terrorism.

PTI