New Delhi: Pakistan Prime Minister Zafarullah Khan Jamali last night (Jan 7, 2004) said changes from stated positions and stances may have to be undertaken if it becomes necessary to move forward in Indo-Pak dialogue, which some countries have played a role in facilitating.

"We are coming into a new century, new millennium. And I think that changes in stated positions and stances, if it becomes a requirement, one has to change. If the requirement is there, one has to adjust accordingly," he said in an interview to BBC when asked how the two countries were going to overcome the past failures arising out of their sticking to old positions.

To a question about threat from jihadis and extremists to the dialogue process and criticism that Pakistan has given more, he said collective interest has to overcome self interest and for that if "sacrifices are required it has to be made".

Jamali said he was grateful to "friends and colleagues who helped us and countries which facilitated this (decision to open a dialogue). But he said he did not want to "pinpoint or name anybody".

He said approach of both the countries has been positive. "The actual matter starts now. Coming to a dialogue is not the end; it is the start. I hope and prey that at the same time both the countries work in proper perspective," and added "we have to come out of ego problems".

Asked at what level the talks would be held, he said the officials will do the spadework and the leaders will lay down the policies.