JAMMU: The United States ambassador to India, Frank G.Wisner, has said that his country has no formula to resolve the Kashmir crisis. Addressing media persons here last ‘week, he clarified that the US had no role to play as a mediator in resolving the issue, Only a dialogue between India Pakistan and the people of Kashmir could pave way for a political solution.
He said that there were some positive pointers and a chance to move away from violence; He added that he was optimistic because he saw an overwhelming desire for peace amongst the people and efforts to revive the democratic process in Jammu and Kashmir by the Central Government. “Although elections are useful but not an end in themselves,” he added.
About the possibility of a war between India and Pakistan on Kashmir issue, Wisner said that nobody wants a war that would be an incalculable disaster. He appealed for restraint and added that three previous wars between India and Pakistan had not resolved the dispute.
Wisner said that he would brief his ‘own government about his perception of the situation in Kashmir.
He said that time was “running” out” for all the parties to avail of the opportunity to find a lasting solution to the problem.
Talking to members of various political and social organizations, who had called on him to apprise him of the situation in the state and the proxy war launched by Pakistan from across the border, Wisner denied saying that the Kashmir problem had reached a decisive stage and added that a solution to any problem had to come with the consent and persuasion of the people, “Palestine, Israel and Ireland had to sit between themselves to find 4 solution to the if age old conflicts,” he added.
Article extracted from this publication >> July 7, 1995
