Zardari says ready to put Kashmir issue aside

He emphasised that the relations between India and Pakistan should not be held “hostage” to the Kashmir issue and that the two countries “can wait” so that future generations resolve the dispute in a mature manner in an atmosphere of “trust”.

In views reflecting India’s position, Zardari said he was determined to break the barriers and mindsets that deter trade between the two countries.

“The idea is that we feel for Kashmir, the PPP (Pakistan People’s Party) has always felt for Kashmir. We have a strong Kashmir policy. We have always had one,” he said.

“But having said that, we don’t want to be hostage to that situation. That is a situation we can agree to disagree (on). Countries do, we have positions, you have positions. We can agree to disagree on everything,” he said.

Noting that India and Pakistan could “agree to disagree on (the UN resolutions),” he said “We can wait. We can be patient till everybody grows up further. Maybe the coming generation grows up even further and then let’s interact as human beings and come to a position of love.”