Musharraf says Pak-Indian dialogue process moving forward

Pakistani President General Pervez Musharraf has said that the composite dialogue process between his country and India is moving forward, private Geo television reported Monday.

"The process is moving forward and whenever there would be a concrete and solid advancement, it would be made public," Musharraf said in an interview with the television.

There are some confidentiality regarding the view point of both parties, he said, adding "the discussion is going on and there is no blockage."

Musharraf noted Indian foreign minister will visit Pakistan and that there will be more discussion during his visit.

He said he has invited Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to visit Pakistan and Singh has accepted the invitation.

"All these moves are focused to keep the dialogue process moving towards its final destination," Musharraf said.

Musharraf disclosed during his meeting with US President George W.Bush on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly last week, Bush was asked to use his influence to move the composite dialogue process advance so that Pakistan and India could bilaterally settle their disputes.

Bush has ensured that he is supportive of the composite dialogue and will play his role to facilitate the forward movement of the process, Musharraf said.

Pakistan and India began the composite dialogue in early 2004 to settle all their outstanding issues including Kashmir. Their foreign ministers will meet in Islamabad early October to review the progress of the second round of dialogue and decide when to start the next round of talks.

Source: Xinhua