Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=6/11/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

NUMBER=2-290796

TITLE=PAK/INDIA MUSHARRAF (L-O)

BYLINE=AYAZ GUL

DATELINE=ISLAMABAD

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf says India's gestures to ease a dangerous military stand off between the countries are not enough. Ayaz Gul reports from Islamabad the two countries are under intense international diplomatic pressure.

TEXT: India has reopened its air space for Pakistani civilian plans after a six-month ban and says it is drawing down its considerable naval presence in the Arabian Sea.

But speaking during a visit to Abu Dhabi, Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf says it is -in his words - a very small beginning towards reduction of tensions. He says India needs to do more

/// MUSHARRAF ACT ///

We look towards continuation of this process and the real response that we are looking for is initiation of a dialogue between India and Pakistan on the Kashmir dispute and all other issues, which bedevil relations between India and Pakistan. This is just a very small beginning. Let us see what happens next.

/// END ACT ///

President Musharraf says he welcomes U-S diplomatic efforts to ease his country's military stand off with India. He says, more such efforts are needed to settle the long-running Kashmir dispute between India and Pakistan.

/// MUSHARRAF ACT ///

If there is facilitation or mediation through a third party, I think the process would further be facilitated. I am an optimist. There is a chance of prospects of improving of relations between India and Pakistan. The leadership has to show statesmanship, I think more than at any other time required. That is the requirement for proceeding further.

/// END ACT ///

India's government has dismissed any third-party role to resolve the dispute over Kashmir, which has caused two wars between India and Pakistan.

The latest confrontation between the countries over Kashmir stems from India's allegations that Pakistan-based Muslim militants are engaged in "cross-border terrorism" in Indian-controlled Kashmir.

President Musharraf says he has stopped all such movements across the line of control dividing the region between Pakistan and India. Pakistan denies allegations it supports the militants. (SIGNED)

NEB/AG/RAE