Islamabad, Nov 28: Discussing the recent Indo-Pak peace overtures with a visiting US Congressional delegation here, President Pervez Musharraf said the developments "must lead to a composite dialogue" on the "core issue" of Kashmir and other outstanding matters. "The recent peace overtures must lead to a composite dialogue between the two countries to include all outstanding issues, including the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir," Musharraf told the delegation which included former first lady and senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, a foreign office statement said today.

It said that Musharraf discussed with the delegation the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan.

According to the statement, the US senators appreciated Pakistan's "critical role" in fight against terrorism and the "valuable help" rendered by it for maintaining stability in the region.

"Senator Hillary Clinton congratulated the president for the steps taken by Pakistan for the promotion of peace with India," it said.

Later, former US President Bill Clinton spoke to Musharraf over phone and they discussed India-Pakistan ties.

Musharraf briefed Clinton and expressed the hope that recent developments would lead to a dialogue and resolution of outstanding issues, the statement said.
Bureau Report