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K J M Varma in Islamabad
Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf on Sunday suggested resumption of Indo-Pak talks in New York on the format discussed at the aborted Agra summit, even as visiting German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder egged the two neighbours to pick up the threads left at the Taj city.
Virtually making a direct appeal to India, Musharraf, at a joint press conference with Schroeder, said: "It is our desire that the two countries should resume dialogue on the format agreed at Agra."
Musharraf's comments followed reports that he has decided to go to the US on a five-day visit starting November 8 to address the UN General Assembly and meet world leaders, including US President George W Bush.
The timing of his visit to New York is significant as Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee is also scheduled to begin his US tour to meet Bush and address UNGA from November 9.
Accusing India of threatening peace in South Asia by deploying troops along the LoC in the wake of September 11 terror strikes in the US, Musharraf said: "India is seeking hegemony and the role of a regional power."
Vajpayee has already expressed reservations in meeting Musharraf following the Pakistani leader's reluctance to provide a commitment to withdraw support to cross-border terrorism in Kashmir.
PTI
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