Differences delay joint statement

Differences on a couple of important elements have delayed the joint statement on the talks held between Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf [ Images ] and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh [ Images ] in New Delhi [ Images ] on Sunday.

The statement was expected to be released late in the night.

Informed sources said the differences pertained to the wording relating to a reference to the January 6, 2004 statement issued during Atal Bihari Vajpayee's [ Images ] visit to Islamabad [ Images ].

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Another point of difference is said to be over the wording pertaining to the confidence-building measures.
 
However, sources in the Indian and Pakistani side expressed optimism that the differences would be sorted out before Musharraf left for the Philippines on Monday morning.

Musharraf said on Sunday night at a dinner hosted by Pakistan High Commissioner Aziz Ahmed Khan that he was satisfied with the discussions with Dr Singh and their outcome.