Islamabad: The Kashmir formula mooted by President Pervez Musharraf was not new and is open to alterations and changes, Pakistan Foreign Minister Khurshid Kasuri said today (Oct 29, 2004), calling for flexibility from both sides to resolve the Kashmir issue.

There was nothing new in the formula suggested by Musharraf proposing to divide Kashmir on both sides of the LoC (Line of Control) into seven regions and then demilitarise them and change their status, Kasuri told reporters in Karachi upon return from Malaysia.

Various options were considered for finding a final solution to Kashmir issue during the Agra summit, he said.

"President's proposal was meant to invite a debate to resolve the issue. Nothing is final and it is open for alterations and changes," he was quoted by the State run PTV as saying.

Noting that both countries should demonstrate flexibility to resolve the Kashmir issue, he said India and Pakistan would have to move from their stated positions to carry the process forward or else Kashmir issue cannot be resolved even in the next 100 years.

"If neither of the parties show flexibility in their stance there will be no solution of Kashmir for another 100 years," he said.

He reiterated that any solution acceptable to both Pakistan and India should also reflect the aspirations of the people of Kashmir.

"Kashmiris and their leadership should be taken along as far as this peace process is concerned," he said.

About the next round of talks with India, Kasuri said the negotiations would commence from next month and would also be held in the month of December.

Asked whether victory by John Kerry in the coming polls will have any impact on Pakistan-US relations, Kasuri replied in the negative.

"Any Government in the US would need Pakistan as much as we need America," he said adding Pakistan and US need each other, therefore there should be no cause of any concern.

He said whosoever would come to the White House after winning next month's election, it would be in his own interest to have good friendly ties with Pakistan.