Islamabad: Contending that Kashmir was an "international" issue, Pakistan hoped that US President George W Bush would help in its resolution during his second term in office.

"Kashmir is no more an issue between India and Pakistan but has now become an international one," Information Minister Sheikh Rashid said expressing the hope that "Bush's second term would result in further improvement of ties between Pakistan and United States and might be beneficial for the settlement of Kashmir issue."

Commenting on the outcome of the US Presidential elections at an Iftar party last night (Nov 3, 2004), Rashid said Bush's return to the White House would ensure continuity in the war on terror and cement bilateral ties.

He hoped that Bush would redress the grievances of the Muslim world and work along with Islamic countries in resolving issues like Palestine and Kashmir. The Pakistan Foreign office said Bush's victory would go a long way in ensuring continuity is US policies particularly towards the South Asian region.

The Pakistan Opposition however seemed disappointed over Bush's victory as the US President has been supporting Musharraf.