Friday, May 20 2005 15:33 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Islamabad: Pakistan wants Kashmiri leaders on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir to meet and hold talks, as India was "reluctant" to involve them directly in the dialogue process, Foreign Minister Khurshid Mehmood Kasuri has said.

"We believe Kashmiris of both sides should meet together and hold talks if direct three-party talks are not possible (at this stage)," he told reporters yesterday (May 19, 2005) on his return from a visit to Australia and New Zealand.

He said Pakistan wants to involve Kashmiri leadership of both sides at a sooner or later stage but India is so far "reluctant" to involve them directly.

He said his country would not accept any solution, which would not be accepted by Kashmiris, as the country wanted durable peace, which could only be possible if the people of the two sides are involved in the peace process.

Kasuri observed that the Kashmir issue was heading for a "crucial turn" and, therefore, the leadership of different Kashmiri groups should unite, as Pakistan could not dictate them.

He said in 1989 both Governments had reached an agreement on Siachen and Pakistan would express its willingness to implement that agreement when the Defence officials meet on May 25.

"Similarly, Sir Creek is a smaller issue and it can be solved if there is a political will," he was quoted as saying by 'The News' daily.