ISLAMABAD, Jan 11: President Gen Pervez Musharraf on Tuesday stressed the need for the United States to help resolve the Jammu and Kashmir dispute which is the root cause of tension in South Asia.

Speaking to a four-member US Senate delegation, the president recalled his talks with US President George Bush on the need to address the long-standing issues like Palestine and Kashmir to bring an end to the present turmoil.

The president had an in-depth exchange of views with the delegation led by Senate Majority Leader Bill First on Pakistan-US relations and regional and international issues, including the Pakistan-India peace process. Other members of the delegation were Senator Norm Coleman Jr., Senator Richard DeWine and Senator Mitchell McConnell Jr.

President Musharraf highlighted the measures taken for peace and progress in Afghanistan. He noted that President Karzai's elections gave a new hope to the Afghan people. He called for continued international cooperation to support Afghanistan.

About the war on terrorism, President Musharraf reiterated Islamabad's commitment to root-out the menace to ensure a secure environment for progress and prosperity of the country.

The visiting senators briefed President Musharraf about their talks in India. They expressed support to the ongoing bilateral dialogue to resolve all pending issues between Pakistan and India, including the Jammu and Kashmir issue.

The US senators welcomed Pakistan's support to Afghanistan in its efforts to achieve peace and stability. They acknowledged Pakistan's role in the war against terrorism and assured the president of US Congress's commitment to a long-term engagement with Pakistan to further deepen and expand bilateral relations, particularly in the areas of commerce, trade and investment.

STRATEGIC TIES: Later talking to reporters, the US senators appreciated Pakistan's role in the fight against terrorism and stressed the importance of strategic and political relationship between Islamabad and Washington.

Senator Bill First said that the purpose of this visit was to exchange views with Pakistani leaders and broaden and deepen 'our important relations - both strategic and political'.

These strategic and political ties, he added, were very important to the United States and Pakistan. The delegation earlier held talks with Foreign Minister Khurshid Kasuri and also met members of the Senate and the National Assembly.

Describing Pakistan as a 'tremendous ally' of the United States, Senator First said they discussed ties between the two countries, ranging from political, strategic and economic to social relations.

A large part of the discussion centred on security cooperation, he said while referring to the designating of Pakistan last year as a major non-Nato ally of the United States.

Issues relating to mutual cooperation in terms of sharing of information, sharing of intelligence and tightening of security on the border with Afghanistan were discussed with Pakistani leaders and members of parliament, he added.

Responding to a question, Senator McConnell said they were very impressed by the progress made in political and economic fields in recent years. He particularly noted the improved ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan and said the presidents of the two countries had developed close relations.

He appreciated Pakistan's support and assistance in the holding of presidential elections in Afghanistan last year. The Senator particularly mentioned military operations in South Waziristan to track down terrorists. Senator McConnell described their meeting with Gen Musharraf as productive.

Senator Mike DeWine also met separately Education Minister Javed Ashraf Qazi and discussed cooperation between the two countries in the field of education. He reiterated US support to Pakistan in achieving the objectives of education reforms.

Senator Coleman said they also discussed with Pakistani leaders the evolving situation in Iraq. Responding to a question, Senator First said the United States would welcome Pakistan's assistance in stabilizing and rebuilding Iraq. He, however, stated that no request was made about sending Pakistani forces to Iraq. -APP