Islamabad: Pakistan Prime Minister Zafarullah Khan Jamali has said he is ready to hold talks with Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee whenever he "feels comfortable".

In an interview with 'The Yomiuri Shimbun' at his residence, Jamali also said Japan should play a key role in promoting dialogue between Pakistan and India.

"We have said throughout that dialogue is the best solution. Conditions are improving. The first instance was the appointment of the High Commissioners, and the second was opening of the borders to bus travel. Now, we look for more co-operation," the Premier said.

In response to a question regarding a possible breakthrough at the summit he said, "We're trying our level best, and we hope and pray that we can make a breakthrough; I think the people of both countries need it. The two countries, which are nuclear powers, have to look towards the development of the people and the nation first – economic development and some other factors.

"So I think this is what the requirement is. I feel confident that we will make it. But such an approach happens when both sides are willing to go for it, as my government and my people are. I hope India reciprocates," Jamali said.

"India and Pakistan usually rely on bilateral relations and talks, although there is a third party, which is the Kashmiri people. That is the core of the whole issue, and that could be the third factor or third party who is involved. As far as a road map is concerned, it depends on the government and powers as to what road map they give. The Pakistan government and the Indian government are supposed to draw up the road map themselves. So I hope we can do it," he said.

Condoning the recent attack on the Pakistani Embassy in Kabul, Jamali said, "They have attacked our Embassy, which we don't like and we don't appreciate, but at the same time according to the press, (Afghan) President (Hamid) Karzai has apologized to (Pakistani) President (General Pervez) Musharraf. These are the incidents that Pakistan is not going to accept."

ANI