ROME, Sept 28: There is an intention in the Indian leadership to take dialogue process toward resolving long-standing disputes and Pakistan will never be found wanting in its desire for peace with dignity and honour , says President Gen Pervez Musharraf.

"I see the (Indian leaders') intention to resolve issues (and) since the intention is there, I am optimistic about the future of Pakistan-Indian relations," he said, referring to his last week's meeting with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in New York.

President Musharraf was speaking to a gathering arranged by Italy-Pakistan Friendship Association. Stressing the need for the United States and the European Union to help eliminate poverty in the Muslim world, President Musharraf said that it was necessary to address the root causes of terrorism, political disputes, poverty and illiteracy.

"The Muslim world has taken the first step by nominating a group of eminent persons for restructuring of the Organization of Islamic Conference and now the West, particularly the United States and the European Union should assist the Muslim countries in achieving socio-economic development," he said.

He cautioned against wasting time and said the world should take action before what he termed an 'iron curtain' descended between the West and Islam. "We must awaken ourselves ... The world is pursuing a short-sighted approach ... We should address underlying causes on long-term basis."

President Musharraf highlighted the government's efforts to reduce poverty, streamline education in Madressahs and its policy of developing the country's tremendous human resource. He said that he believed in democracy and had introduced a series of reforms for introduction of sustainable democracy. -APP