180 degree turn: Musharraf to meet Manmohan

180 degree turn: Musharraf to meet Manmohan

Sunday, April 17, 2005 (New Delhi):

It's a packed itinerary for Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf who will meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for a one on one this afternoon.

Last night at a reception in his honour, the General said four years after his last visit, the change was a '180 degrees'.

Sticking to positions

However, both heads of state stuck to their stated positions.

While the Indian side called upon Pakistan to fight terrorism, Musharraf said the success of confidence building measures depends on the resolution of the Kashmir dispute.

"We must find practical ways and means to resolve all outstanding issues between us in a reasonable, pragmatic manner cognizant of the ground realities," said Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister.

"It is my hope Mr Prime Minister that we have a substantive dialogue on all issues, which obviously has to include the Jammu and Kashmir dispute," observed Musharraf.

Packed schedule

After the Prime Minister and General Musharraf watch the start of the last India-Pakistan one-dayer, they will hold another round of talks.

The Pakistani President is also due to meet separatist Hurriyat leaders in the Capital.

Last year, Musharraf had suggested division on ethnic lines, demilitarisation or even UN control as possible solutions to the Kashmir issue. India has rejected any redrawing of boundaries.

Both leaders are expected to discuss ways to soften the ceasefire line, which include meetings of divided families and more buses.