Musharraf sounds a note of hope ahead of crucial talks

Islamabad, Jan 13 (UNI) Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has expressed the hope that all outstanding issues between India and Pakistan may be resolved ''sooner than expected'' if the two countries show enough ''resolve and flexibility''.

The comments of Gen Musharraf came ahead of the crucial Foreign Minister-level talks between the two neighbours today.

External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee and his Pakistani counterpart Khurshid Mahmood Kasuri will deliberate upon a host of issues including, Siachen and Sir Creek, opening of consulates in Karachi and Mumbai, implementation of the South Asia Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA) and the Iran-Pakistan-India (IPI) gas pipeline.

''We will achieve results maybe sooner than we expect...If resolve and flexibility is shown by the leadership, we will be able to resolve the disputes, including the Kashmir issue,'' the President told a group of students from Harvard Business School here yesterday, the APP reported.

''I see light at the end of tunnel,'' Gen Musharraf said, stressing upon the need for moving ahead on ''Conflict Resolution'' along with the Confidence Building Measures between the two countries.

He asserted harmonious relations between New Delhi and Islamabad will go a long way in establishing peace in the whole region.

''We must bring peace to our region for the sake of the people of two countries,'' Gen Musharraf said.

Referring to his ''good equation'' with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the President said it should be the endeavour of the leadership of the two countries to strive for achieving peace by resolving issues, as there was no ''guarantee that good personal rapport will always remain between the future leadership of the two countries.'' In response to a question, the President said tremendous potential existed between India and Pakistan for furthering economic, trade and tourism ties but added that this potential could only be realised through a lasting peace among the two countries.

UNI