Monday, February 14 2005 22:23 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Islamabad: Britain today (Feb 14, 2005) welcomed the continued progress in the India-Pak composite dialogue process, saying the slow pace of resolving Kashmir issue should not be a cause of frustration.

"We welcome the continued progress and active support for composite dialogue between India and Pakistan including Kashmir. We wish both the countries a success to the process. We are looking forward to tomorrow's visit of Indian Foreign Minister, Natwar Singh," visiting British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said in Islamabad in a joint press conference with Pakistan Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmmud Kasuri.

Answering a question on slow progress of India-Pak talks, he said there could be frustrations due to slow progress towards solution of Kashmir issue but hoped that the process of normalisation would lead to a peaceful future for people of Kashmir.

"I see good future from the composite dialogue. What I look forward to... is the border breaking down and so once again families which have been separated by that border being able to live in peace and security," he said.

Asked whether he has asked the Pakistan leaders to provide direct access to disgraced Pakistan nuclear scientist A Q Khan, Straw said, "I have not directly raised that matter with Pakistan."

"But we have substantial confidence in President Musharraf and Pakistan Government about the way in which they are dealing with the aftermath of revelations," he added.

For his part, Kasuri said, "If our British and American friends bring forth more evidence we will confront A Q Khan and will convey the information again. That is a reflection of our commitment to non-proliferation."

Kasuri said he held talks with Straw, who arrived in Islamabad on a three-day visit today, on bilateral and regional issues and apprised him about the Indo-Pak peace process.

Straw, who held talks with President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz as well as Kasuri said Britain was happy about the re-admission of Pakistan in Commonwealth.

"Britain is delighted with the decision of the members of the Commonwealth Action Group to ensure that Pakistan is fully admitted into the Commonwealth," he said in an interview to state-run PTV.

He said Britain, which was set to take over the Presidency of EU supported Pakistan's plea for Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) plus system to provide duty concessions for Pakistan's exports into EU markets.