New Delhi, July 19: Indian External Affairs minister SM Krishna on Monday ruled out any possible role of the United States in sorting out the Kashmir issue with Pakistan, within hours of his Pakistani counterpart SM Qureshi supporting a US envoy to resolve the issue.
“India has always taken a position (on resolving the Kashmir issue bilaterally) and we have been consistent on the stand,” Krishna said, in an interview to a news channel.
“India stands by its position that both countries (India and Pakistan) can sort out the Kashmir issue (by bilateral talks),” he added.
 Reacting to Qureshi’s preference for US to play envoy between the two nations, Krishna said, “We had meetings in the past and it is possible to pick up from where we left.”
 “My invitation to Qureshi for talks in India remains open,” he added.
 India had always opposed any third party interference in resolving the Kashmir issue with Pakistan.

DOUBTS OVER KABUL MEETING
 PTI adds from Kabul: SM Krishna is unlikely to meet his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi though both of them are here for a conference on Afghanistan Tuesday, days after their talks in Islamabad descended into acrimony.
 An indication to this effect was given today by Krishna, who said “I do not know whether time will permit me to talk to him (Qureshi).”
 Officials accompanying Krishna said the meeting was unlikely. The Pakistani side has not sought any meeting with Krishna nor has the Indian side shown any interest, they said.
 Let us wait and watch, Indian officials said, adding the roadmap for talks with Pakistan would be decided “as we go along”.
 Krishna and Qureshi are here to attend a one-day international conference on Afghanistan along with a host of other foreign leaders tomorrow. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is among the leaders.

Lastupdate on : Mon, 19 Jul 2010 21:30:00 Mecca time
Lastupdate on : Mon, 19 Jul 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Tue, 20 Jul 2010 00:00:00 IST