Srinagar, Feb 7: The Chairman of Hurriyat Conference (M) Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Monday welcomed the resumption of talks between New Delhi and Islamabad and emphasized the inclusion of Kashmiri leadership in the dialogue process.
 Addressing a seminar ‘India-Pakistan Relations: Breaking the Deadlock Over Kashmir’ at the George Mason University in Washington, Mirwaiz said the Hurriyat (M) is willing to enter the dialogue with Government of India if it accepts conglomerate’s four conditions including demilitarization, releasing all political prisoners and revoking special powers to force personnel  including AFSPA.
 “We welcome the initiative of New Delhi and Islamabad in Bhutan but the present situation inside Kashmir makes it clear that if talks between India and Pakistan have to yield any result then Kashmiri leadership ahs to be included in the process,” Mirwaiz said.   
 Mirwaiz said even after announcement of the intention to hold talks, India persistently has been committing “atrocities” and holding Kashmir under siege.
 Mirwaiz thanked Pakistan for rendering unconditional solidarity with the people of Jammu and Kashmir in their struggle to attain the right to self-determination which was guaranteed at the United Nations Security Council in 1948.
 Mirwaiz maintained that the endeavor to resolve the Kashmir issue was not just a quest for peace for the people of Kashmir.“We cannot overlook the fact that South Asia is a region that is becoming more and more a major role player and competitor in all international markets. Thus, it may be appropriate to point out that the resolution of Kashmir will pave the way for the peace, security and stability to the region of South Asia which includes, India, Pakistan and Afghanistan,” he said. 
 In his address, Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai, Executive Director, Kashmiri American Council and Kashmir Center insisted that the genuine leadership of the Kashmiri people be included in all negotiations over Kashmir's future with India and Pakistan.
 Other speakers included in the seminar included Victoria Schofield, Hon. Dagfinn Hoybraten, Iffat Gardezi, Mr. Ali Shahnawaz Khan, Mujtaba Mumtaz Wani, Insha Zulfikhar Khan, Ehtisham Kayani, Professor Yu from GMU and Israr Mirza, the President of PSA.

Lastupdate on : Mon, 7 Feb 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Mon, 7 Feb 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Tue, 8 Feb 2011 00:00:00 IST