Indian PM calls for `friendship treaty' with Pakistan

INDIA: Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh called Friday for a friendship treaty with Pakistan to help resolve the bitter issues that have bedevilled relations for almost six decades.

"I have a vision that the peacemaking process must ultimately culminate in our two countries entering into a treaty of peace, security and friendship to give meaning and substance to our quest for shared goals," Singh said.

"I make this offer to the people of Pakistan on this historic occasion. I am sure the leadership of Pakistan will reciprocate," he said at a ceremony to open a new bus link between the two countries.

The bus service is the latest step in attempts to normalise relations between the arch-rivals, who have fought three wars since independence from Britain in 1947.

Declaring that the transit link had opened a "new chapter" between India and Pakistan, the prime minister waved a green flag to set the bus, carrying 40 passengers and cheered by hundreds of well-wishers, under way.

The bus connects the northern city of Amritsar, seat of Sikhism's holiest shrine the Golden Temple, with the Pakistani town of Nankana Sahib - birthplace of Guru Nanak Dev, founder of the Sikh religion - near Lahore city.

"Instead of looking at each other as adversaries we must have the courage to see each other as supporting the other for the realization of a better tomorrow for all the people of India and Pakistan," said Singh.

"I am convinced we can move forward if all concerned are willing to accept the ground realities, if all concerned take a long view of history and our destiny."

NEW DELHI, Friday, AFP