Manmohan's statement ''positive'' but ''bold steps'' needed: Pak FO

Islamabad, Mar 24 (UNI) Pakistan today termed Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's offer of a treaty of peace, security and friendship as ''positive'', but said ''bold steps'' would be required by the leaders of both countries to resolve all outstanding issues, including Kashmir.

''We have always stated that the resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir issue can release the full potential of the peoples of South Asia to make progress and fight poverty, disease and ignorance,'' Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson Tasnim Aslam said here.

She was reacting to Dr Singh's offer at the opening of the new Nankana Sahib-Amritsar bus service.

She, however, added that the leadership of both countries need to take bold steps to resolve the outstanding issues.

''We also need sincerity and flexibility in order to overcome the legacy of the past,'' Ms Aslam said.

''We believe the speech reflects many positive sentiments and a strong acknowledgement of the need to move forward on Jammu and Kashmir and other issues,'' she said.

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