BRUSSELS, Jul 23 (APP): Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Northern Areas, Qamar Zaman Kaira has said peaceful resolution of Kashmir issue is imperative as it would bring development and prosperity in the region.Talking to journalists after his meeting with Member of European Parliament and Chairman All Parties Kashmir Group in EU Parliament, James Elles here, he said Pakistan has always supported amicable and peaceful resolution of Kashmir issue as per resolutions of United Nations.

Executive Director Kashmir Centre Brussels Barrister Abdul Majeed Tramboo was also present.

The Minister said the long-standing issue of Kashmir has been lingering on the UN agenda for last six decades and urged the participation of Kashmiris in composite dialogue process between India and Pakistan.

Kaira said, “In dialogue process,involvement of Kashmiri leadership was a must as it would help them achieve their right to self-determination.”

He congratulated James Elles over his re-election as member EU Parliament and lauded the role of EU for highlighting the Kashmir issue at the international level.

Answering a question, Qamar Zaman Kaira who also holds the portfolio of Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, said at Sharm-el Sheikh meeting of Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani with his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh was a right step and composite dialogue process would be initiated soon between the two countries in which all important issues including Kashmir would be on agenda.

He said Pakistan is a sovereign country and it would not allow anybody to take any action against terrorists on its soil.

He said Pakistan is fully committed to eliminate terrorism and has sacrificed a lot to flush out this menace from the country.

“Pakistan is itself a victim of terrorism, and has been trying to eliminate extremism and terrorism in  all forms and manifestations and its efforts for this purpose have been appreciated world over,” he added.

The Minister stressed the need for addressing root causes of terrorism which include poverty, ignorance and sense of deprivation.

James Elles appreciated the agreement to re-initiate composite dialogue process between India and Pakistan on all issues including Kashmir and said peaceful resolution of this issue would bring development and prosperity in both the countries.

Replying to a question on any roadmap on the Kashmir issue by the EU, he said both India and Pakistan should prepare a strategy to resolve this vital issue and the EU would extend all possible support and assistance in this regard.

Barrister Abdul Majeed Tramboo highlighted the activities of Kashmir Centre, Brussels in creating awareness about the issue of Kashmir in European Union.

Meanwhile, Minister for Kashmir Affairs also visited an exhibition of Kashmiri arts and crafts held in connection with the Kashmir Week at EU. He also visited the picture exhibition on human rights violations by the Indian forces in the Occupied Kashmir.