BERLIN, June 30: President Pervez Musharraf on Monday affirmed Pakistan’s commitment to peacefully resolving its disputes with India but said the conflict over Kashmir must be addressed with sincerity.

Gen Musharraf reiterated “Pakistan’s desire and resolve towards the resolution of all disputes... and our desire to address in a composite manner all issues concerned, but addressing the whole issue of Kashmir with sincerity.”

His remarks came after talks with his German counterpart Johannes Rau, the first by President Musharraf during his two-day visit.

The German president said he did not think Germany could play any special role on this issue.

“Whenever Germany’s help as a mediator is sought, naturally we are available,” he added.

President Musharraf invited Mr Rau to visit Pakistan. The German president has already visited India.

President Musharraf also called for the political and military strategy in Afghanistan to be reviewed so that foreign troops could be withdrawn.

A new political and military strategy was needed if Afghanistan was to be stabilized, he added.

“We need to reorient the political military strategy so that we move towards a situation where stability and harmony is brought into Afghanistan and the foreign forces who are involved in Afghanistan at the moment have a way of exiting ultimately from Afghanistan.”

Gen Musharraf said he had explained to President Rau, whose country jointly leads the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Kabul, what he thought should be the way forward for Pakistan’s northwest neighbour.

He said Pakistan would remain a member of the international coalition against terrorism. The desirable situation in Afghanistan had yet to be achieved.

He said Pakistan had made recommendations to Afghan President Hamid Karzai about what should be reviewed in order to further stabilise the country.

President Musharraf said Pakistan had a major interest in improving its relations with Germany.

On Tuesday, the president meets German Labour and Economy Minister Wolfgang Clement. He has also requested a visit to Checkpoint Charlie, the main crossing point between former East and West Berlin, and the celebrated museum island.

President Musharraf started his diplomatic mission in London with British Prime Minister Tony Blair, and will on Wednesday travel to France on the last leg of his four-nation tour.

In Paris, he is due to meet his French counterpart Jacques Chirac, Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin and other senior officials and business leaders.—Agencies