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

Srinagar: Four days after he came out against international mediation, the new Hurriyat Conference chairman Maulana Mohammad Abbas Ansari on July 16 made a volte face saying the 23-party amalgam was not averse to a United States' role as a friend in resolving the Kashmir issue.

He also suggested Iran and former South African President Nelson Mandela could act as "facilitators."

"US mediation on Kashmir issue is welcome if that country wants to help as a friend not as a master," he told reporters after chairing the first executive council meeting.

Ansari, who was elected as Hurriyat chairman on July 13, however, reiterated that it would be preferable if India and Pakistan resolved the Kashmir issue amicably through discussions, without involving any foreign power.

"They are both sovereign countries and should resolve the dispute amongst themselves," he added.

Emphasising the friendly nature of mediation, he said, "Iran is claiming to have brotherly relations with Pakistan and friendly ties with India, they can act as facilitators."

Ansari said South African hero Nelson Mandela was a man with undoubted credibility in both India and Pakistan and his services could also be utilised.

Ansari, who succeeded Abdul Gani Bhat as Hurriyat chairman for a two year term, said involvement of representatives of people of Jammu and Kashmir was inevitable as no solution would be durable without taking into consideration the wishes and aspirations of people.

PTI