Gilani backs resumption of Indo-Pak talks

India should resume composite dialogue with Pakistan to resolve all outstanding issues- including the Kashmir dispute- peacefully and expeditiously, Pakistan Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani has said.

Gilani made these comments while talking to the German Foreign Minister, Dr Guido Westerwelle, who called on him along with his delegation members at the PM's house on Sunday.

The premier said Pakistan believed that its relations with India should not be made hostage to one terror incident. Referring to the forthcoming meeting between the Pakistan and Indian Foreign Secretaries in Bhutan and the visit of Pakistan's Foreign Minister

to India, Gilani expressed hope that India would respond positively to his government's sincere efforts for the resumption of meaningful dialogue. 

Gilani also conveyed his appreciation to the German Government for clarifying the negative comments attributed to Chancellor Angela Merkel about Pakistan during her recent visit to India.

Dr Westerwelle termed Pakistan as the most important country in the global fight against terrorism and a trusted friend of Germany. Gilani assured him of his government's determination to continue its campaign against terrorism and extremism, and in helping the Afghan government in the restoration of peace and stability.