Monday, April 18 2005 07:33 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Differences on a couple of important elements have delayed the joint statement that was expected to be released last night (Apr 17, 2005) after the talks between Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in New Delhi.

Informed sources said that differences pertained to wording on a reference to the January 6, 2004 statement issued during Atal Bihari Vajpayee's visit to Islamabad during which Pakistan had committed not to allow its territory for terrorist acts against India.

Another point of difference is said to be over the wording pertaining to Confidence Building Measures (CBM).

However, both Indian and Pakistani sources expressed optimism that the differences would be sorted out before Musharraf leaves for the Philippines today (Apr 18, 2005) morning.

Musharraf said last night at a dinner hosted by Pakistan High Commissioner Aziz Ahmed Khan that he was satisfied with the discussions and their outcome.

The Pakistani President is scheduled to meet a group of Indian editors over breakfast today.

Late in the night, Pakistani Foreign Secretary Riaz Ahmed Khan called Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan Shiv Shanker Menon regarding the joint statement.

Menon is presently in the capital.

Meanwhile, according to reports in Pakistan, Musharraf will also meet Pakistani media in New Delhi separately today.