ISLAMABAD, Jan 28: Pakistan Monday termed “unfortunate” the Indian response to Pakistan’s offer for peaceful settlement of all outstanding issues between the two countries.

“We regret that once again India did not accept our sincere offer,” said Aziz Ahmed Khan, the Foreign Office spokesman, when asked to comment on Prime Minister Vajpayee’s statement on Monday.

The Indian prime minister rejected once again Pakistan’s offer for talks made by President Musharraf Saturday in his message to Prime Minister Vajpayee on the eve of India’s Republic Day.

The FO spokesman said Pakistan had repeatedly made sincere offers to India for de-escalation of the situation and settling of all issues through peaceful means.

“Ball is now in India’s court.”

Khan said President Gen Pervez Musharraf had extended the hand of sincere friendship in Kathmandu and now on the Republic Day of India, the president reiterated his offer, saying he wanted good-neighbourly relations with India.

The spokesman said it was unfortunate that India once again had not responded positively.—APP