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Manmohan a positive human being: Musharraf

Nirupama Subramanian

ISLAMABAD: President Pervez Musharraf has said the political leadership in India and Pakistan must rise above the designs of extremists to carry forward the peace process.

In an interview late on Thursday to Business Plus, a private television channel, General Musharraf described Prime Minister Manmohan Singh as a "positive human being" with "the desire to settle disputes," but said extremists on both sides were hindering the process of dialogue.

"Both countries have extremists. But the leadership should demonstrate political will and proceed," he said. Pakistan condemned the "loss of precious innocent lives," and those behind the blasts had to be tracked down, he said. "I assure Prime Minister Manmohan Singh that the Pakistan Government and I are with him in any investigation that he wants to carry out."

On reports that the Foreign Secretary talks scheduled for July 21 may not be held, the Foreign Office spokesperson said Pakistan had received "no intimation about this" from India.

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Manmohan a positive human being: Musharraf

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