Gilani equates Palestine, Kashmir issues

Peace will remain elusive in South Asia and the Middle East unless the issues of Kashmir and Palestine are resolved, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said on Friday.

Gilani made the remarks during a meeting with visiting Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at the Prime Minister's House.

The resolution of the Palestine issue "finds resonance in the just and peaceful struggle of Kashmiri people for self-determination," Gilani claimed.

"People of Palestine and occupied Kashmir are fighting for their just right of self-determination," he said.

Gilani assured Abbas that Pakistan will persist in its support for safeguarding and promoting the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people.

Pakistan will continue to have a principled stance of absolute support to the Palestinian people for their right to self-determination and a sovereign state, he added.

Pakistan wants the total withdrawal of Israel from all occupied Arab territories, including Jerusalem, stoppage of all measures like construction of settlements and a separation wall, excavation beneath the Al-Aqsa mosque and eviction of Palestinians from their homes, Gilani said.

Gilani also expressed disappointment at the current stalemate in the Middle East peace process. He said peace will remain elusive in the two regions unless Kashmir and Palestine issues are resolved.