ISTANBUL - President Pervez Musharraf of Pakistan said on Sunday, ''Kashmir is the main problem in tension between Pakistan and India. Peace cannot be settled in Southern Asia before relations between India and Pakistan return to normal.''
Speaking at a conference at the War Academies Command, President Musharraf who came to Turkey to attend the Seventh Summit Meeting of Heads of State and Government of Member Countries to the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), said, ''Pakistan has taken some decisions and taken some steps in line with these decisions in order to find a lasting solution to Kashmir dispute. However, we cannot get a response from India.''
''India is not sincere in finding a lasting solution to the dispute. Therefore, it has been following a negative approach. Meanwhile, international pressure on Pakistan has been increasing. International community has begun to perceive our struggle for independence as a cross-border terrorism,'' he said.
Noting that Pakistan was considered responsible for fundamentalist activities in India, President Musharraf said, ''they have developed a new tactic against Pakistan. It might be the beginning of a new dangerous period in the region. Pakistan will take all necessary measures to protect its independence and integrity.''
Pointing out that Pakistan was in favor of peace, President Musharraf said, ''peace cannot be settled in Southern Asia before relations between India and Pakistan return to normal.''
President Musharraf informed participants on his efforts to revive the economy, to make administration more influential, reconstruct the country, to decrease poverty and provide a sustainable democracy.
Describing Turkey as a real and reliable friend of Pakistan, President Musharraf added that Pakistan would always support Turkey under any kind of conditions.
Foreign Minister Inamul Haque of Pakistan; retired General Huseyin Kivrikoglu, the former Chief of General Staff; retired commanders and high-ranking officers were in attendance at the conference.