Monday, May 8 2006 13:20 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Srinagar: Expressing hope that separatists will take part in Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's roundtable conference later this month, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad today (May 8, 2006) said all parties should set aside their differences to contribute towards the resolution of the Kashmir issue.

"Hurriyat Conference has had two rounds of talks with the Prime Minister and both sides were satisfied after the latest dialogue. We hope that they (separatist) will take part in the next edition," Azad told reporters on the sidelines of a function here.

The chief minister said the state government had completed all the preparations for the roundtable to be held on May 25.

It is a historic opportunity that a roundtable on Kashmir is being held in Kashmir. All parties should set aside their differences and come forward to contribute in resolution of the issue, he said.

Asked about the ground status of Poonch-Rawalakote bus service, Azad said, "We have made all the preparations for the bus service to start. We are waiting for the Pakistani side to complete their preparations."

He said necessary infrastructure like customs and wiegh bridges were being raised and the technicalities worked out so that the trade along the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road is started on schedule.

"The opening of new routes and starting trade are welcome steps and would usher in a new era of development in the state," he added.