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Is US using the Kashmir issue to try and get a permanent foothold in South Asia? Post your views

London: Pakistan will by no means accept the line of control (LoC) as the permanent border with India. Secondly, Kashmir being the main issue, it can no longer be put in cold storage.

The Pakistan Minister for Information and Media development, Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, made these categorical statements during a television interview in London on May 18, reports 'The News'.

Islamabad, according to him, will go into talks, expected in June, with an open mind. Kashmir has to figure in the dialogue and a settlement on this front can lead to reduction in Defence expenses of the two countries.

However, Rashid added, it is necessary to take the Kashmiri leaders into confidence to ensure success at the negotiating table. The 'K' factor is alive since the people of the Valley are continuing their struggle for liberation. And the case has to be resolved in line with the aspirations of the Kashmiris.

There are three parties involved in the issue but if USA and Britain want to play some role, Pakistan will welcome it, Rashid stated.

India, he remarked, had tried to get Pakistan declared as a terrorist state after September 11 events but Islamabad's wise policy foiled this effort.

ANI