Monday, April 18 2005 16:39 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Islamabad: Terming the Kashmir issue as "complicated," President Pervez Musharraf today (Apr 18, 2005) advocated a three-phased approach to resolving it by ascertaining the views of Kashmiris and developing consensus for a final decision to be taken by the top leadership of India and Pakistan.

Interacting with Pakistani media in Delhi before emplaning for Manila, Musharraf said that the Kashmir issue was so complicated that it cannot be resolved by tripartite talks, that is between India, Pakistan and Kashmiris, which has been Islamabad's traditional demand.

"This is so complicated, even if three persons sit down, they can never agree. This is that complicated an issue. It is the top leadership, which needs to sit down and think of broadly what kind of solution is possible between India, Pakistan and people of Kashmir," he said, during the interaction selectively telecast by State-run PTV.

Suggesting the three-phased formula, he said that the first stage is to broadly ascertain the will of Kashmiris, which can never be ignored, to set a broad direction.

Phase two, he said, is to develop a consensus through debate and discussions while phase three is to take the decision.

"At this moment the leadership, which means frankly myself and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh are sincere in our desire, flexible enough and may bold enough to move forward. I am optimistic," Musharraf said.

"It is my firm belief that the Kashmir should be discussed by the top leadership of the two countries. Resolution is not possible other than top leadership," Musharraf said.

He said that the top leadership of the two countries has agreed to continue the discussions to address Kashmir issue in a sincerely purposeful and forward-looking manner for its final settlement.

"We have decided that we need to take the process on the resolution of Kashmir issue forward in a purposeful manner for the final settlement of the issue," he said.