Deve Gowda Offers Talks With Pakistan

Prime minister H D Deve Gowda has offered early talks at an appropriate level with Pakistan, in a letter of congratulations to Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

We seek an early resumption of dialogue between our two countries, at an appropriate level. We are ready and willing to have wide-ranging comprehensive talks on all issues of mutual concern, the message said.

Gowdas letter responds to the favourable statements made by Sharif, soon after his re-election about 10 days ago, seeking talks with India on all issues including Kashmir.

After winning the confidence vote in Pakistans National Assembly yesterday, Sharif said he wanted to revive long-stalled peace talks with India, but New Delhi must be willing to let Kashmiris decide their own future.

Gowdas letter emphasises, however, that the proposed dialogue will take place at an appropriate level, that is, at the foreign secretarys level.

A similar message had been sent in response to the congratulatory letter sent by former Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto when Gowda assumed office last June.

Gowdas letter further says : I have noted the positive statements made by your Excellency to improve relations between our two countries. I reciprocate your sentiments in full measure. We believe there are a number of opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation. We approach these opportunities in a positive and constructive spirit, for it is our firm conviction that cooperation between us will lead to genuine benefit for both our peoples.