PM to visit Pakistan ''at an appropriate time''

On board PM's Special AI aircraft, Apr 22 (UNI) Noting that there was improvement in India's relations with Pakistan, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said he would visit the neighbouring country ''at an appropriate time''.

Talking to reporters accompanying him on his five-day visit to Germany and Uzbekistan, he said, ''I have an invitation which was extended to me in April 2005(when Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf visited India). I had accepted it.'' Asked if the two countries were close to a breakthrough on Siachen issue, the Prime Minister said, ''it is too early for me to announce.'' Dr Singh's remarks came amid reports that he could visit Pakistan in July-August to clinch accords on Siachen and Sir Creek issues.

National Security Advisor M K Narayanan acknowledged that there had been a satisfactory progress on the Siachen and Sir Creek issues.

''We are progressing, there are a few questions to be worked out, the main being the authentication of the actual ground position of troops.'' Mr Nrayanan said there was willingness and political will on both sides to resolve all issues.

UNI AT PK RAI2044