King Abdullah said he would like to reiterate our hope that a just settlement can be achieved that protects the legitimate rights and leads to regional stability. On his part, President Musharraf said, "I have no doubts that Your Majesty's visit to India would encourage the peace process. Your strong and constant commitment towards the resolution of the Kashmir dispute reflects your abiding support for just causes and your deep concern and compassion for Muslims in distress and struggling for their inalienable rights." The president said that Pakistan's neighborhood has remained disturbed for decades because of the conflict in Afghanistan and the longstanding Kashmir dispute. Pakistan, he said, supports the government of President Karzai and is contributing to international efforts for rehabilitation and reconstruction in Afghanistan. "We are also working for an environment of peace in South Asia and are engaged in a sincere effort to resolve the Kashmir dispute that has been at the heart of conflict and tension between Pakistan and India. We believe that improved relations between the two countries and a conducive international environment provides a unique opportunity to address this longstanding issue in a manner acceptable to all parties especially the people of Kashmir." He said that the turmoil in Iraq and the sufferings of its people are a source of deep concern and anguish for all of us. Pakistan, Musharraf said, attaches great importance to Iraq's sovereignty and territorial integrity. There is need for a new initiative to help the political process in Iraq for early return to normalcy, he added. "We reaffirm our common commitment to fight terrorism that poses a danger to all faiths and all societies. Nothing can justify disruption of stability, progress and development in a society and destruction of innocent lives. It is also painful to see that wanton acts of terrorism committed by a few misguided individuals have maligned our noble faith of peace, tolerance and compassion." "More than ever before, we need to work for harmony amongst diverse faiths and cultures at the global level and to counter prejudice against Islam and Muslim societies. At the same time, we need to look within and root out the bane of extremism from our societies through education and reforms," the President said. He said there is an urgent need to heal the festering wounds of Palestine and Kashmir that have caused so much pain and sufferings among the Muslims. Durable peace and tranquility in the Middle East demands a just and honorable solution of the Palestinian issue that has been the objective of many international endeavors. "King Abdullah's initiative in Beirut more than three yours ago defined the essentials for peace based on realism and justice. Nothing should be allowed to derail efforts for vacation of Palestinian territories and the establishment of an independent Palestinian State. The evolving political situation in the area must be turned into an opportunity to realize the objective of the two states of Palestine and Israel living side by side within secure borders."--MORE 11 08 Local Time 08 08 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/323059