In a subtle change, Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf who had been insisting for long that militancy in Jammu and Kashmir was "freedom struggle" said that no individual can define terrorism and it should be left to the discretion of the United Nations Security Council.

When asked who should "rightly" lead the anti-terror campaign, Musharraf said all UN member countries should adhere to Security Council resolutions and that the prime responsibility lies with the world body to resolve issues.

"So other than that, when it comes to the role of mediator for disputes around the world, like Palestine and Kashmir, then, yes, the US, being the sole superpower, can play a role in bringing an end to these disputes -- amicable and justice-based solution," he said.

Pakistan, which has been elected to the non-permanent seat of the UN Security Council, would take charge of its two-year term from January 2003.

The president's note came ahead of Iranian President Mohammad Khatami's three-day visit to Pakistan beginning on Monday.

Pakistan looked to Khatami to use his good relations with India to facilitate dialogue between India and Pakistan to resolve Kashmir and other outstanding issues, Musharraf said.

He said the problems faced by the Islamic world and the Kashmir issue would figure, among other things, during his talks with the Iranian President.

He favoured the mediation of United States in resolving disputes like Kashmir.