MADRAS, India -- Pakistani President Gen. Pervez Musharraf's recent visit to Washington began with a plea for third-party intervention in Kashmir, which is claimed by both India and Pakistan.
"Bilateralism has failed and, therefore, there is a requirement for mediation or facilitation in resolving the disputes between New Delhi and Pakistan," Musharraf told a gathering at the Reagan International Center in Washington. In a veiled attempt to press for a more active U.S. role in Kashmir, Musharraf put forth an observation that seemed absurd. He remarked that India had secretly carried out a nuclear test.
U.S. President George W. Bush gave a classic American response. He said he hoped that his country could help foster a meaningful dialogue between India and Pakistan.