Kashmir, Palestine Issue Similar, Peace Elusive until They Are Resolved: Gilani
Pakistani Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani has equated the Kashmir issue with the Palestine problem and said that peace will remain elusive in South Asia and the Middle-East if these matters are not resolved, said media reports.
Gilani made the statement in the course of a meeting with visiting Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Islamabad last evening, said reports.
The Pakistani Prime Minister claimed that resolution of the Palestine issue ‘finds resonance in the just and peaceful struggle of Kashmiri people for self-determination’, said reports.
“People of Palestine and … Kashmir are fighting for their just right of self-determination,” he was quoted as saying.
Also, Gilani assured Abbas of Paksitan’s continued support to Palestinian people for their right to self-determination and a sovereign state, said report.
Pakistan wants the total withdrawal of Israel from all occupied Arab territories, including Jerusalem, stoppage of all measures like construction of settlements and a separation wall, excavation beneath the Al-Aqsa mosque and eviction of Palestinians from their homes, Gilani said, according to reports.
Expressing disappointment at the current stalemate in the Middle East peace process, Gilani said that peace would remain elusive in South Asia and Middle East unless Kashmir and Palestine issues are resolved.
(Based on internet reports)
