2003: Hurriyat softens stand

During their four-hour meeting, Hurriyat leaders decided that the solution to the Kashmir problem can be reached through 8216;8216;talks and talks only8217;8217;. Hurriyat executive Moulvi Abbas Ansari said the 8216;8216;meeting took note of the remarks made by PM Vajpayee and Deputy PM L.K. Advani on the Kashmir issue 8217;8217;.

8216;8216;While the PM says Pakistan should focus on trade with India and not Kashmir, his deputy, first, wants talks with the elected representatives and then calls for not holding a dialogue with those who only voice Pakistan8217;s views,8217;8217; he said. 8216;8216;There is also talk from Bal Thackerey who demands sacking of Ram Jethmalani the head of Kashmir Committee,8217;8217; he said.

Ansari said only an 8216;8216;unwavering8217;8217; stand can help resolve the Kashmir issue and the Hurriyat is prepared to hold talks with New Delhi and 8216;8216;keep Pakistan out of it in the first go8217;8217;. 8216;8216;If the Government of India is sincere to hold talks with Hurriyat, Pakistan can wait and join in the talks later,8217;8217; he said.