India-Pakistan must have early talks, says Musharraf

"Pakistan has been emphasising the need for early resumption of a comprehensive dialogue to address the Kashmir issue, as it is the main impediment to the development of normal relations between the two countries," Musharraf said in Algiers at the end of his two-day official visit to Algeria.

Recounting the number of confidence-building measures announced by Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali for carrying out a sustained and substantive dialogue with New Delhi, Musharraf, speaking at a banquet hosted by Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, said the international community must convey Islamabad's concerns over the situation in Kashmir.

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President Bouteflika said his country would support all people's legitimate right to self-determin-ation.

On the issue of terrorism, both leaders also affirmed their support to end this scourge. "Pakistan is strongly opposed to all forms and manifestations of terrorism, as we ourselves are a victim of terrorism," Musharraf said.

"Pakistan has absolutely zero interest in keeping any foreign national suspect, in fact. When we catch any non-Pakistani suspect terrorist, we want to send him out as soon as possible," adding that Pakistan's decision to support the international campaign against terrorism was based on principle and its national interests.