Washington, July 30: Speakers at a conference here on Kashmir urged India and Pakistan to resolve the Kashmir issue in the larger interest of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
 Addressing delegates and participants at the inaugural function of the two-day 11th “International Kashmir Peace Conference”, which began here yesterday, several Congressmen from United States expressed their concern over the prevailing trouble in Jammu and Kashmir.
 “The persecution of the people of Kashmiris should end and human rights should be respected,” said Congressmen Dan Burton, Alderholt, Cingressman Danny Davis, Dannis Kuchinich, Yvette Clark and Joseph Pit. “We urge India and Pakistan to resolve the Kashmir dispute keeping in view the urges and political aspirations of the people without causing any further suffering to them.”
 The conference has been organized by the Kashmiri American Council (KAC), Kashmir Centre and Association of Humanitarian Lawyers in Washington Wall.
 The Congressmen said that for bringing peace in South Asia, the resolution of Kashmir dispute had become imperative. “The President of America, Barrack Obama was fully aware about the importance of Jammu and Kashmir for peace and stability not only in Afghanistan but for entire South Asia,” said a Congressman.
 In his opening remarks, the Executive Director, KAC, Dr Ghulam Nabi Fai said, “Youth-led indigenous and spontaneous movement for right to self-determination in JK is at a crucial juncture,” he added.
 “The objective of the conference is to achieve the peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute through peaceful dialogue between all parties concerned,” he said.
 Delegates from India, Pakistan, both sides of Jammu and Kashmir, Kashmir diaspora from all across the world, United States Congressmen, diplomats from various countries in Washington D.C., prominent US columnists and opinion makers are participating in the conference. 
 Speaking on the occasion, Hussain Haqani, Ambassador of Pakistan reaffirmed the policy of Pakistan government to support Kashmir struggle for right to self-determination morally, politically and diplomatically.
 Others, who spoke at the inaugural function, included Victoria Schofield, Rita Manchandi, Ved Bhasi and Ambassador Maleeha Lodhi. They emphasized on importance of renewing efforts at all levels for finding solution of the Kashmir problem in accordance with the internationally laid out principles.

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Lastupdate on : Fri, 30 Jul 2010 18:30:00 GMT
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