Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has said he would raise the Kashmir issue and problems over sharing of river waters if he meets his Indian counterpart S M Krishna on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session in New York later this month.
"If I get an opportunity to meet Indian Foreign Minister in New York, I will hold talks with him and present our views on all important and outstanding issues, including terrorism, the Mumbai attacks, the composite dialogue, the Kashmir issue and the water problem," he said.
Pakistan wants good relations with India though the peace process can be taken forward only if there is a "solid response" from the neighbouring country, he told reporters in his hometown of Multan yesterday.
"We desire good relations with India but you can only clap with two hands. Regardless of our desires, things cannot be taken forward till there is a solid response from India," Qureshi said in response to a question on the likelihood of improving ties with India.
"Pakistan believes that normalisation is in the interest of both countries and necessary for peace and progress in the region," he added.
Qureshi said no date has been decided as yet for his proposed meeting with his Indian counterpart.
"Pakistan believes that normalisation is in the interest of both countries and necessary for peace and progress in the region," he added.
Qureshi said no date has been decided as yet for his proposed meeting with his Indian counterpart.
He said he had taken Kashmiri leaders into confidence ahead of his talks with Krishna during a meeting held in the Foreign Office on Friday. There was "complete unity" between the Pakistan government and the Kashmiri leaders during yesterday's meeting, he added.
Pakistan's stance on the Kashmir issue remains unchanged despite the government's announcement of a reforms and self-governance package for the Northern Areas.
The Kashmiri leadership, including representatives of the Hurriyat Conference, expressed satisfaction over the package, Qureshi said.