Mush praises Manmohan Singh for JK peace efforts

London, Oct 12: Following the Kashmir issue and maintaining peace with Pakistan, former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf said that Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh deserves 'full marks' for his 'sincere' and bold steps over the resolution between two countries.

Musharraf disclosed that it was Manmohan, and not his predecessor Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who deserved the credit for a breakthrough in Indo-Pak relations, the Dawn reported.

"It was with Manmohan Singh that we moved forward towards an agreement, not with Mr Vajpayee," he said.

"I give full marks to Manmohan Singh," he said, but added that the Indian premier lacked 'courage' in giving any concession on Kashmir, fearing domestic pressures.

Manmohan had a "very good sense" about Indo-Pak relations, he acknowledged, adding, "I respect him very much."

Musharraf said that India and Pakistan were very close to an agreement before he lost power. "We were as close as drafting a final agreement."

When asked about the 'Agra Agreement' of 2001, the former president claimed that there was no agreement, adding that it was only when the Congress returned to power in 2004 with Manmohan as the Indian prime minister that the two countries "moved forward towards an agreement".

Musharraf, however, said that he had "no regrets" over Kargil, describing it as a result of the history of "confrontation" between the two countries.

ANI