LUCKNOW, May 21: Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee said on Wednesday he was hopeful that talks could start soon with Pakistan, saying the “path of war” between the arch-enemies should be closed.

“I had extended a hand of friendship with Pakistan, hoping that by solving problems through talks an environment would be created where there is no place for cross-border terrorism, and in Pakistan the terrorist infrastructure would be dismantled,” Vajpayee told reporters.

“We are watching this situation and we hope that very soon there will be a situation in which peaceful talks can begin on all issues.”

Vajpayee, 78, last month stunned observers by extending a “hand of friendship” to Pakistan, saying it would be his “third and final” attempt to make peace.

Asked why he said it was the final attempt, Vajpayee said: “The time has come for a definite decision. Everytime we extend a hand of friendship it is rejected. This is not right.

“We should make up our mind and Pakistan should make up its mind. Like neighbours, we want to live in peace with them and even after many attempts and betrayals, we have tried to close the path of war and to solve problems through talks,” he said.—AFP