Washington: Ahead of US President George W Bush's scheduled meeting with Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf later this month, co-founder of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans, Frank Pallone, has urged Bush to underscore the importance of a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue and an end to cross-border terrorism during his meeting with the Pakistani leader.

"It has been brought to my attention that on June 24 you are hosting Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf at Camp David. I am writing to urge you during your discussions, to stress the importance of a peaceful conclusion to the Kashmir conflict", Pallone said in a letter to Bush.

"Pakistan can be an important ally of the US as we continue in our global fight against terrorism, but it is important that the US encourage Musharraf to pursue bilateral talks between India and Pakistan to bring a peaceful conclusion to the current crisis", he said.

"Given our burgeoning counter-terrorism alliance with Pakistan", Pallone said it is important to stress the definitive halt of all cross-border terrorist activities in the Kashmir region.

"This is an essential step in the process of reconciliation between India and Pakistan", he said.

"Only by stopping cross-border terrorism will Indian Prime Minister (Atal Behari) Vajpayee be able to justify moving forward in the peace process", the Democratic Congressman said, adding, "It is imperative that you make this a clear and important part of your discussion with Musharraf.

PTI