ISLAMABAD, Jan 15: The US Secretary of State, Colin Powell, in his meeting with President Gen Pervez Musharraf, will discuss the Kashmir issue, de-escalation of tension and trade irritants in the way of Pakistan’s textile exports to the United States.

This was indicated by a five-member US Congressional delegation which called on President Pervez Musharraf here a day ahead of Colin Powell’s visit to the South Asia. Mr Powell is scheduled to arrive here on Wednesday before his visit to New Delhi.

The delegation, which was all praise for President Musharraf for taking bold initiatives, dropped hints about possible US role in resolving the Kashmir dispute at a news briefing organized by the Coalition Information Services, shortly after their meeting with the president.

Senator Tom Daschle, who heads the delegation, said that over the past few months Kashmir dispute had emerged as a prominent issue not only at the international level but also within the United States.

“We need to capture this opportunity, take advantage and cease the moment,” Senator Tom remarked while underlining the need for initiation of dialogue between India and Pakistan on Kashmir dispute.

Senator Tom, who avoided to give specific details about his discussion with President Musharraf on the Kashmir issue, said they recognized its importance for the people of Pakistan.

He also quoted the phrase used by President Musharraf in his speech that “Kashmir runs in our blood.” President Musharraf, he added, stated in no uncertain terms that resolution of Kashmir issue was the highest priority for him.

President Musharraf, he added, expressed the hope that the US would play a more active role in resolving the issue. “It will certainly be an issue they will be discussing on their return to Washington,” he said.

To a related question, senator Tom said he believed that the US administration and Congress needed to find ways to articulate their recognition of the importance of the issue.

“I do not known whether we have done it in the past, this is a new opportunity for us to do it more successfully in the days to come,” he remarked.

On the recent visits of the US congressional delegation to the region, Tom Daschle said it could help project Pakistan’s views in the Congress.

He said their presence here was also necessary to express in unequivocal terms their gratitude to Pakistan and reaffirm commitment to a lasting friendship.

To a question about the future relationship between Pakistan and the United States, Tom Daschle said the success America had achieved in its war against terrorism would not have been possible without the support of Pakistan.

On the issue of trade between Pakistan and the United States, he said the matter would be taken up at the next session of Congress. He also indicated that the issue would be addressed under the fast track legislation within the next few months.

Senator Tom said all the issues President Musharraf raised with them would be considered very carefully.

US Senator Mark Dayton from Minnesota said that the issue of Kashmir and difficulties Pakistan was facing in the export of its textile goods to the United States had been discussed in detail in their meeting with the president.

When asked what message President Musharraf would be giving to Mr Powell for Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, he said it would certainly be a message of peace, calling for reduction in tension and settling all issues through peaceful means.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the senator noted that President Musharraf’s address to the nation was “powerful, meaningful and consequential.”

Mark Dayton said the United States was highly indebted to the support Pakistan gave in the fight against terrorism. In the meeting with the president they expressed the strong desire to reciprocate.

Senator Bob Smith said they were grateful to Pakistani nation for helping the American people in their most difficult time. “We will return that gratitude in years to come,” he added.