Miliband calls for Pakistan-India dialogue on Kashmir issue

Source: Xinhua | 01-17-2009 08:09

ISLAMABAD, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- British Foreign Secretary David Miliband on Friday called on Pakistan and India to hold intensive dialogues to solve the Kashmir issue.

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi (R) escorts his British counterpart David Miliband, at the Foreign Ministry in Islamabad January 16, 2009. Miliband is in Pakistan for talks after visiting India.  (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

Speaking at a press conference, Miliband also said that the war on terror depends on Pakistan's participation.

"Terrorism is also a threat to Pakistan," said Miliband.

In response to a question on Pakistan-India tensions, Miliband said "cold war" or "hot war" is not in favor of Pakistan or India.

Miliband arrived in Islamabad on Friday on a two-day visit to defuse tensions between Pakistan and India in the wake of Mumbai attacks.

Miliband came here after a three-day visit to India, where he said Pakistan state is not directly involved in Mumbai attacks and urged cooperation between the two nuclear-armed countries.

Pakistan-India tensions were heightened as the Indian side accused Pakistan-based militant groups of involvement in last November's Mumbai attacks, which killed more than 170, and demanded a strong action.

The tensions between the two countries also put the four-year-long peace process on hold.

Local media reported that Britain wants to bring the two countries back to the negotiating table to defuse regional tensions.

Editor:Zhang Pengfei