New Delhi: Hurriyat Conference chairman Maulana Abbas Ansari on October 22 welcomed the government decision to hold talks with the separatist amalgam, saying his organisation had always favoured resolution of all issues through dialogue.

"It is a welcome move, though a bit late. However, it is always better late than never," Ansari, who is in Delhi, said. The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) on October 22 decided that Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani would hold parleys with Ansari, though the dates have not yet been finalised.

"I will be leaving for Srinagar to hold an emergency meeting of the (Hurriyat) executive committee to discuss this new initiative," he said, adding that the Centre should also "specify the agenda for talks".

"The Hurriyat Conference has always favoured resolution of all issues by talks and we are committed to holding dialogue, provided it is meaningful and aimed at resolving the dispute," Ansari said.

PTI