Nawaz Sharif... served two non-consecutive terms as prime minister, heads the Pakistain Moslem League (Nawaz). Noted for his spectacular corruption, the 1998 Pak nuclear test, border war with India, and for being tossed by General Musharraf...
called for a "new beginning" in relations with India in comments published Tuesday, as tensions remained high over the disputed region of Kashmire.
Recent festivities across the heavily militarized Line of Control (LoC), which divides the Himalayan territory between India and Pakistain, have raised the temperature between the nuclear-armed neighbors.
Sharif, in remarks published by the News Agency that Dare Not be Named of Pakistain, said it was vital India and Pakistain became "good friends".
"Let us make a new beginning. Let us sit together to resolve all outstanding issues in a friendly manner and in a peaceful atmosphere," he said in comments made Monday to the state news agency.
India's army on Tuesday accused Pakistain of firing across the LoC late on Monday in the latest confrontation.
Pakistain and India have fought three wars since independence in 1947, two over Kashmire. A deadly flare-up along the LoC in January derailed peace talks that had only just resumed after a hiatus sparked by the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
"We must become good friends. Hold each other's hands. We must sit together with open and clean heart," Sharif said, adding that Pakistain had "a lot of love and affection" for the Indian people.