ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, May 10 (UPI) -- Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf Monday urged Britain to help his country and India resolve their disputes.
Musharraf, who met a group of British members of parliament in Islamabad Monday, said continued engagement of Britain and other key members of the international community is extremely important for peace in South Asia.
His statement comes on the heels of a statement by Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee earlier this week that Pakistan had used its influence in the disputed Kashmir region to prevent the area's Muslim majority from voting in India's general elections. Pakistan had denied the charge.
Musharraf said a dispute like Kashmir, which has remained unresolved for the last 56 years, needs international mediation. India opposes outside mediation in the issue.
The two countries control parts of Kashmir but each claims the region in its entirety. They have fought two wars and countless skirmishes over Kashmir since independence.
In recent months, however, Pakistan and India have pledged to resolve all disputes including Kashmir through bilateral talks.
