Gilani condemns Pune blast; wants better ties with India

Pakistan premier Yousuf Raza Gilani today condemned the bomb blast in Pune, saying Pakistan was against terrorism in all its manifestation and maintained that his country wants better relations and a 'meaningful dialogue' with India.

"We condemn the blast in the Indian city of Pune. We condemn terrorism in all its manifestations," Gilani told reporters in the garrison city of Rawalpindi.

"We want to be freed of terrorism and this menace," he said.

The bomb blast in Pune came a day after Pakistan agreed to take up India's offer of foreign secretary-level talks. Foreign secretaries of India and Pakistan are scheduled to meet in New Delhi on February 25.

Replying to a question about the talks, Gilani said, "Pakistan wants better relations and a meaningful dialogue with India."

India had suspended the composite dialogue in the wake of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks which New Delhi has blamed on Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Tayiba.

Gilani said he would take Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz chief Nawaz Sharif into confidence on the issue of talks.

Asked whether the talks would be successful, Gilani said, "Lets begin the dialogue process first."

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