14 May 2004	Friday	23 Rabi-ul-Awwal 1425

ISLAMABAD, May 13: Foreign Minister Khurshid Kasuri on Thursday hoped that the next Indian government would join Pakistan's quest for peace in South Asia by carrying forward the dialogue process.

"We in Pakistan are very sincere in carrying forward the peace process already initiated," he told reporters while commenting on the Indian election results.

The minister said Pakistan hoped the next Indian government would join it in this endeavour "so that this historic opportunity for peace in South Asia is not missed".

He said Pakistan had been closely following the results of the Indian elections. He, however, made it clear that "our interest does not in any way constitute or signify any desire or intention to interfere in the internal affairs of India".

Mr Kasuri said: "We were able to initiate a process for peace with the government of Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, for whom we have every respect and regards."

He said a roadmap for carrying forward the peace process was already in place. Pakistan, he said, looked forward to seriously engaging with the next government in India to resolve disputes, including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

"We believe that both Pakistan and India must lead the efforts for overcoming the challenges of under-development and poverty, and addressing the socio-economic conditions of the peoples in South Asia," the minister said.

Asked if he expected any change in schedule of talks after the India's election results, the minister hoped it would not change. The calender of meetings was prepared by the two foreign ministries and was an 'institutionalized decision,' he added. -APP