Davos: Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf today (Jan 24, 2004) said he believed Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee was a "man of peace" and there were a number of solutions to the Kashmir issue.

Musharraf, speaking to a breakfast meeting with reporters at the World Economic Forum (WEF), said "we have taken a big step forward" in setting the stage for negotiations between the two countries.

He declined to give details about the solutions that he had in mind, but was full of praise for Vajpayee.

"I find him to be a man of peace. I find him to be a very balanced leader. I give him credit for his boldness."

He said that the two sides would have to show "flexibility" and "boldness".

"There are a number of solutions which can come about," he said, adding they would have to reach a compromise between the extreme positions stated previously by both sides.

He said now was not the time to discuss solutions but that would come when the two sides start a "composite dialogue on all issues".

"We need to progress. That is the time to discuss solutions," he said.

Seeking to address what he called "misperceptions" about Pakistan, Musharraf also said that the country's nuclear technology was well guarded by the National Command Authority which he set up to secure Pakistan's nuclear weapons.

"We have not left any stone unturned to ensure the security of all our assets," he said.