New Delhi: In an apparent climbdown on its Kashmir policy, Pakistan President Parvez Musharraf has ruled out mediation by any third party on the issue.
In an exclusive interview to CNN-IBN, President Musharraf for the first time acknowledged that the Kashmir issue was a bilateral one between India and Pakistan and there was no need to go in for third party mediation.
This was in response to the recent statement made by the visiting US President, George Bush saying United States would not facilitate but encourage the peace process on Kashmir.
"Whether it is facilitate or encourage, it is one and same thing. We are into bilateral dialogue (and) we don't want to make it trilateral or multilateral," President Musharraf said.
After the recent nuclear agreement between India and Pakistan, President Musharraf, who has been under immense pressure for failing to get parity from the US on the nuclear front, said there was no need for such an agreement, as Pakistan only needed nuclear energy.
He added that there was a need to change the "Indo-centric" approach within Pakistan.
"They (India-US) are in nuclear strategic relationship and we know against whom it is directed. It (Nuclear agreement) has certain implications, like opening out the nuclear establishments. We have no desire of such nuclear co-operation," Musharraf said, adding that people of Pakistan now understand this as well.
About the Indo-Pak peace process, president Musharraf said that though the confidence building measures were in place, there was a need to broaden the process now.
"CBMs are doing well but I believe in two track effort, that is the conflict resolution part, which is not doing well."
With the dates for the next round of the composite dialogue already decided, Musharraf reiterated the need to broaden the process of composite dialogue to the next level.
Musharraf while pushing the ball into the court of the Indian Prime Minister, said, "I have invited him (Manmohan Singh) and he has accepted the invitation. If he wishes to come he is more than welcome and if he doesn’t it is his wish."
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While maintaining that the strategic interests of Pakistan were on top of the agenda during his recent talks with President Bush, along with the return of democracy, Musharraf added that issue of terrorism and the recent strains in the Pak-Afghan relations was also discussed with President Bush.
While hinting at further violence by the insurgents and Taliban fighters in the tribal region, Musharraf ruled out any possibility of Pakistan falling into the hands of the extremists.
"Nothing of the sort will happen. There are aberrations in Balouchistan and tribal areas bordering Afghanistan, and many things will happen but they will not bring Pakistan to the level of instability."
Musharraf accepted that he and President Bush enjoy good personal relations, and said that during the recent discussion they not only shared “hard talks” but some relaxing moments as well.
"We talked about cigars. I offered him Kohiba cigars from Cuba which off course he refused and we talked about Barney, (Bush's Dog) as I like dogs."
While reacting to the series of anti-cartoon protests in the run up to the Bush visit, Musharraf said that the cartoon protests were a "Natural" feeling and every Muslim was hurt. But he also acknowledged that the violent incidents thereafter did affect the image of Pakistan.
"Every Muslim is touched. Whether we are fundamentalists are ultra-modern, everyone is affected and we condemn it. Anybody protesting about it was a natural feeling. But yes violence damages out reputation and standing," he added.
But on the crucial question of about the 2007 elections and his promise of relinquishing the post of the Army chief and facing the elections without uniform, Musharraf played a perfect politician, by suggesting "lets wait till 2007".
"All the options are there. I will follow the constitution and whatever I have done is democratic and according to constitution. My being in uniform as a president is through a democratic process… come 2007, we will look at the details."
While justifying his holding the dual responsibility, Musharraf said that, "It is an ideal combination in the present circumstances. There is a need of being a general at some times and President at other. I combine the two and at the moment it is suitable."
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