There is no alternative to dialogue with Pak: PM

New Delhi, Feb 27 (PTI) In his first comment on the
recent talks with Pakistan, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan
Singh has said there was "no alternative" to dialogue to
resolve issues which "divide us" and that India was ready to
discuss all matters including Kashmir in an atmosphere free
from terror.

Singh said India seeks "peaceful and normal relations"
with Pakistan and "in that quest we have consistently sought
to engage those in Pakistan who are ready to work with us."
In an interview to Saudi journalists ahead of his visit
to Riyadh that began Saturday, he said it was in the common
interest of India and Pakistan to cooperate in fighting the
menace of terrorism which hurts both.
"There is no change in our position... We should be good
neighbours. There is no alternative to dialogue to resolve the
issues that divide us," he said.
Singh was responding when asked whether the decision to
have Foreign Secretary-level talks with Pakistan reflected a
change in India's stand that the stalled peace process can
resume only if Islamabad acts against the planners of the
Mumbai attack.
To a question on talks with Pakistan, he said, "Today the
primary issue is terrorism."
Asked how serious was the Pakistan Taliban threat to
India, especially to Jammu and Kashmir, Singh said that as a
neighbour, India could not remain immune to the rise of
extremism and terrorism in Pakistan or on the border of
Pakistan and Afghanistan. (MORE) PTI MS
PRS


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