Islamabad: Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has asked North African Arab countries to urge India to enter into a meaningful dialogue with it for a peaceful settlement of the Kashmir issue.

Musharraf "hoped that Maghreb countries (Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco) would use their good offices to urge India to enter into a meaningful dialogue with Pakistan to ensure peaceful settlement of the Kashmir dispute".

In an interview to Arabic daily 'Ashraq Al-Awsat', Musharraf, who just concluded his tour of the three countries, hoped that these nations "will extend their support to Pakistan’s endeavours to resolve the Kashmir issue".

The Pakistani President said he had not held any contacts with the Israelis.

"Israel's continued repressive policies against the Palestinians and its refusal to vacate the occupied territories rendered the recognition of Israel as unacceptable for the people of Pakistan,".

Observing that a new phase has started in the Mideast peace process with the announcement of "road- map" for Palestinian state, he said Pakistan is monitoring the evolving situation and consulting friendly Arab and Islamic countries.

"The government will take into account the sentiments and opinion of the Pakistani people and take a decision (on recognising Israel) at the appropriate time in the best national interest," he said.

Asked if the Palestinians have reacted to the suggestion, Musharraf said "we have not received any Palestinian reaction so far".

PTI