ISLAMABAD, Jan 7: The best way to resolve all outstanding issues between India and Pakistan would be to sit across the table and discuss them, Foreign Office Spokesman Aziz Ahmad Khan said here on Monday.

The best way to resolve any problem or any difference or misperception that the Indian side has about Pakistan or issues related to between the countries, would be to sit across the table to discuss those issues and try to find a solution, he told BBC television.

He said President Musharraf offered a hand of friendship to Prime Minister Vajpayee in Kathmandu. “We are ready to talk to India about all matters, all outstanding issues between the two countries.”

Replying to a question, Mr Khan expressed the hope that British Prime Minister Tony Blair’s visit would be helpful to defuse tension between India and Pakistan.

We have called for help from the international community, international mediation to

help defuse tension and any effort that is made by any country.

In this regard, he added, we appreciate Mr Blair’s efforts to defuse tension between the two countries and persuade India to accept our very reasonable offer of sitting across the table and discuss all outstanding issues between the two countries.

The spokesman said Pakistan’s record as for as fighting terrorism is concerned is very well known.

We have joined the international coalition against terrorism and our cooperation in this regard has been lauded by the international community.

He said Pakistan has offered India to provide evidence so that action can be taken against any individual or group against whom allegations are being made.

“We have to have some evidence before we can take any action,” he added.—APP