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Hindustan Times
Saturday, May 3, 2003 | Updated: 15:54 IST
Press Trust of India

Musharraf promises sincerity in India talks

Promising all out efforts to confront terrorism in Pakistan, President Pervez Musharraf has said his country would demonstrate its seriousness and sincerity in resolving all outstanding issues, including Kashmir with India.

Speaking at a dinner hosted in honour of Prince Karim Aga Khan, the spiritual head of Ismaili community in Islamabad on Friday night, Musharraf said Pakistan stands for peaceful settlement of all issues with India, including Kashmir and was ready to enter into a dialogue.

"We seek peaceful resolution of all disputes and differences especially the core dispute over Jammu and Kashmir - we desire sincerity in this commitment. We on our part will demonstrate all our seriousness," he said.

However, his comments circulated by the official media made no direct reference to Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's announcement in Parliament on Friday that India was restoring full diplomatic ties as well as air links with Pakistan. "We desire tension-free and cooperative relations with India. We stand ready to enter into a dialogue anytime, anywhere," Musharraf said.

Significantly, Musharraf also referred to the threats of terrorism in Pakistan. In his address attended by top military officials, the military ruler said his country would make all efforts to confront extremism.