Islamabad: Pakistan Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri yesterday (Jan 17, 2004) denied any sell out on Kashmir and said that the four-step formula offered by President Pervez Musharraf provides the best possible formula to break the impasse on the vexed issue.

Addressing a seminar "From confrontation to dialogue - new trends in Pakistan-India relations" in Lahore, he said Musharraf's proposals for a settlement on Jammu and Kashmir would create space for simultaneous movement towards a normalisation of bilateral relations between the two countries.

The steps include a resumption of a sustained dialogue process, acknowledgement of the need for a resolution of the Jammu & Kashmir dispute by the parties concerned, elimination of elements unacceptable to the parties and work towards the achievement of a solution acceptable to all the parties.

"While leaving the confrontation behind and moving on the dialogue track, the two countries will have to bear in mind that durable peace can only be ensured by addressing all issues of concern to both the countries including the issue of Jammu and Kashmir" official APP news agency quoted Kasuri as saying.

"For lasting peace it is essential that aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir are addressed.

"A forward movement on Jammu and Kashmir along with other issues would provide a win-win situation for the two countries and for Kashmiris and ameliorate sufferings of our people," he said.