Srinagar, Mar 26: The National Conference patron and Union Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah, Saturday welcomed Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh’s decision to invite Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari and the Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani to watch India-Pakistan semi-final match of ICC Cricket World Cup at Mohali on March 30
 Talking to reporters on the sidelines of a conference at SKICC here, Dr Abdullah said, “We welcome Pakistan PM and President to India. It is the best opportunity for India and Pakistan to open doors for peace. Both countries should forget about the past and normalize their relations which is in the best interests of the people of the two countries.”
 Meanwhile, Peoples Democratic Party President, Mehbooba Saturday hailed decision of Prime Minister to extend invitations to Zardari and Gilani. In a statement, Mehooba exuded confidence that this gesture would help in bringing in positive change in this sub-continent.
 “Though the step is a small in nature, it could act as a catalyst to improve the relations between two countries leading to a formal dialogue at highest level”, she said and hoped that this step would help in breaking the ice and to resume the dialogue process which had been stalled since 2008 after some unfortunate events.

Lastupdate on : Sat, 26 Mar 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sat, 26 Mar 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sun, 27 Mar 2011 00:00:00 IST