Islamabad: Welcoming as "positive" and "constructive" Prime Minister-designate Manmohan Singh's statement that the two countries should resolve their problems, Pakistan today (May 20, 2004) said this provided basis for the continuation of the peace process.

"We welcome the statement by Prime Minister-designate Manmohan Singh. This is a positive, constructive and forward-looking statement and provides the basis for the continuation of the process of dialogue and confidence building initiated by the two countries," Pakistan Foreign Office spokesman Masood Khan said.

Khan said that Pakistan deeply appreciated the tone and tenor of the Prime Minister-designate's comments.

"We want to assure the Government and the people of India that Pakistan sincerely looks forward to a serious and meaningful dialogue with a view to resolving all outstanding issues between the two countries," he said.

"In order to transcend the past," he said, "We must work towards a just and lasting resolution of disputes. No problem is intractable if there is a will to solve it. Peace and stability, achieved through conflict resolution, will provide a solid foundation for amity and friendship."

Pakistan, Khan said, was committed to the creation of a peaceful and secure South Asian neighbourhood in which the two countries could improve their relations and regional cooperation.