Musharraf calls for early involvement of Kashmiris in dialogue process

Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf Saturday called for an early inclusion of Kashmiris in the Pakistan-India dialogue process on Kashmir issue.

Musharraf made the call on his departure for India for a three- day visit, the first leg of his three-nation tour.

The official Associated Press of Pakistan quoted Musharraf as saying "We will try to make them (Kashmiris) a part (of the dialogue process) as soon as possible."

The President who was planned to meet the Kashmiri leaders in New Delhi said it was very important for him to meet them.

"It is extremely important that I meet them because we have to decide on their future," he said, adding "their involvement is extremely important."

Musharraf agreed with the media reports which were describing his visit to India as "historic."

He said there was a desire from both sides to make the visit a success and "therefore I think it is very much a historic visit."

Musharraf is visiting India at the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to watch the sixth and last one-day cricket match between Pakistan and India.

The President will also visit Philippines and Indonesia during his week-long visit.

He will also present at the Bandung conference to be attended by Asian and African leaders in Indonesia.