Expressing satisfaction at the outcome of the talks between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf, Leader of the Opposition L K Advani on Monday hoped that it would lead to 'concrete measures' to take the peace process forward.
"That the whole process which was initiated by previous National Democratic Alliance government and the joint statement in 2004 is moving forward is a matter of satisfaction," Advani, who was here to attend the funeral of BJP leader and former Uttar Pradesh Governor Vishnu Kant Shastri, told reporters here.
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The BJP chief said the Vajpayee government had taken the first step towards normalisation of relations between the two countries last year.
"When former Prime Minister A B Vajpayee went to Islamabad in January 2004 and a joint statement was issued by Vajpayee and Musharraf, the Pakistani leader agreed that he would not allow Pakistani soil to be used for anti-India terrorist activities," Advani said adding "this led to a breakthrough".
"President Musharraf and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh have furthered this peace process and we hope that concrete measures will be taken," he said.
When asked whether the peace process can be proceeded keeping the issue of Kashmir aside, Advani said "all issues should be discussed but there are some issues which cannot be solved overnight".