United Nations: United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan has "warmly" welcomed the offer by Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee to normalise relations with Pakistan and Islamabad's "positive response" to it.

"He looks forward to the peaceful resolutions of differences between India and Pakistan, including over Kashmir," chief United Nations spokesman Fred Eckhard said.

Annan expressed the hope that the series of reciprocal steps being taken by the two countries would ease tensions and improve bilateral relations, as also lead to strengthening of pace and stability in the entire South Asia region.

"Annan hopes that these steps, starting with Prime Minister Vajpayee's statement on April 18 and Pakistan's positive response, will lead to the strengthening of peace and stability in the entire South Asian region," Eckhard said.

The Secretary General also expressed the hope that the normalisation of diplomatic relations and restoration of rail, road and air links, as well as other confidence building measures being introduced by the two sides, will lead to the resumption of a sustained dialogue.

PTI