'SAARC could realise full potential if Kashmir issue resolved'

Opposition PDP patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today said SAARC can realise its full potential only if pestering issues between India and Pakistan, including Kashmir, are settled amicably.
"SAARC leadership has to recognise the fact that the forum couldn't take off effectively since its inception in 1985 because of the unresolved issues between India and Pakistan including the Kashmir issue," Sayeed said while addressing election rallies in south Kashmir.
Sayeed said the current elections offer a historic opportunity to people of the state to send a strong message to the national leadership about their urge for peace and reconciliation between the two countries which could facilitate resolution and enduring peace.

"A strong and inclusive mandate to PDP would enable it channelise this urge effectively and revive the initiatives of 2003," he said.
"In another way the forum (SAARC) can provide a space for the resolution of issues between India and Pakistan including Kashmir," he said.
The political aspect of the issues between India and Pakistan would be easier to address if the economic space created in SAARC paradigm is ensured for a potentially rich place like Jammu and Kashmir, he said.