ISLAMABAD, Jan 13 (UNI): Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has expressed the hope that all outstanding issues between India and Pakistan may be resolved "sooner than expected" if the two countries show enough "resolve and flexibility".
The comments of Gen Musharraf came ahead of the crucial Foreign Minister-level talks between the two neighbours today.
External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee and his Pakistani counterpart Khurshid Mahmood Kasuri will deliberate upon a host of issues including, Siachen and Sir Creek, opening of consulates in Karachi and Mumbai, implementation of the South Asia Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA) and the Iran-Pakistan-India (IPI) gas pipeline.
"We will achieve results maybe sooner than we expect...If resolve and flexibility is shown by the leadership, we will be able to resolve the disputes, including the Kashmir issue," the President told a group of students from Harvard Business School here yesterday, the APP reported.
"I see light at the end of tunnel," Gen Musharraf said, stressing upon the need for moving ahead on "Conflict Resolution" along with the Confidence Building Measures between the two countries.
He asserted harmonious relations between New Delhi and Islamabad will go a long way in establishing peace in the whole region.
"We must bring peace to our region for the sake of the people of two countries," Gen Musharraf said.
Referring to his "good equation" with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the President said it should be the endeavour of the leadership of the two countries to strive for achieving peace by resolving issues, as there was no "guarantee that good personal rapport will always remain between the future leadership of the two countries." In response to a question, the President said tremendous potential existed between India and Pakistan for furthering economic, trade and tourism ties but added that this potential could only be realised through a lasting peace among the two countries.
EU asks Bangladesh caretaker government to ensure fair election DHAKA, Jan 13 (UNI): The European Union (EU) has called upon newly appointed Chief Advisor Fakhruddin Ahmed and his interim caretaker government to create a "conducive environment" for holding a credible democratic election in the country.
The call was made through an EU presidency declaration issued in Berlin and Brussels on Friday.
On Thursday President Iajuddin Ahmed declared state of emergency to quell political turmoil over the general election scheduled on January 22.
The date for the elections has not yet been fixed.
"The European Union is monitoring events in Bangladesh closely following the latest developments, including the decision by the President to impose a state of emergency and to relinquish his post as Chief Advisor in the Caretaker Government," the EU press release said.
The EU urged all election stakeholders to carry their resposibility to ensure national and international confidence in the democratic process of Bangladesh.
It also underscored the need for a judicious approach by the Chief Advisor and his Caretaker Government to the present restrictions imposed on fundamental rights and media freedom.
The EU urged full restoration of civil and political rights to the people of Bangladesh at the earliest opportunity.
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