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Kashmir solution in my lifetime: Indian Premier

IRNA

New Delhi, Jan 2, IRNA -- India`s Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee 
has expressed optimism that a solution to the Kashmir issue was 
possible during his lifetime, local press reported here on Friday. 
However, he made it clear that no meaningful discussions can be 
held on this, unless Pakistan changed its perception that the state 
should be its part because it has a Muslim majority. 
Vajpayee, who flies to Islamabad on Saturday to attend the SAARC 
Summit, confirmed that he would also interact with Pakistani leaders. 
"Naturally, I will also interact with our Pakistani hosts." On 
whether it was possible to find a solution to the Kashmir imbroglio 
during his lifetime, he said, "I remain optimistic about it. 
During my Lahore visit, I had clearly conveyed our desire for 
peace and friendship. Apparently, Pakistan did not believe us." 
In an interview to India Today, a weekly newsmagazine, he said, 
"There has to be a fundamental change in Pakistan`s perspectives." 
He said, "Until it changes its perception about Jammu & Kashmir - 
that because it is a Muslim-majority state, it should be part of 
Pakistan - no meaningful discussions can take place on this matter." 
Allaying fears on the nuclear issues, Vajpayee declared, "The only
button I will press is of an electronic voting machine. It is madness 
even to contemplate nuclear war. Our nuclear weapons are meant to be 
a deterrent." 
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