Wednesday, June 1 2005 08:32 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Srinagar: The Chairman of moderate faction of Jammu and Kashmir's separatist group Hurriyat Conference Mirwaiz Umer Farooq yesterday (May 31, 2005) welcomed the Centre's decision to give its leaders the passport to travel to Pakistan for talks with the Pakistani leadership.

"It's a welcome step by New Delhi and I hope all the parties concerned in India, Pakistan and Kashmir can all contribute to the final resolution of the Kashmir issue," he said.

"I'm hopeful the Hurriyat's objective of going to Pakistan will be fulfilled," the Mirwaiz said.