Pakistan responds positively to Kashmir peace talks appeal

Pakistan today responded ‘‘in a positive spirit’’ to India’s offer for peace talks, but at the same time denounced its neighbour for ending a ceasefire in the disputed Kashmir region.

The ceasefire’s end has ‘‘given the Indian forces a carte blanche to continue state terrorism against the Kashmiri people,’’ said Foreign Minister Abdul Sattar in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad.

‘‘The chief executive will respond to the Indian prime minister’s invitation in a positive spirit,’’ Sattar said, referring to Pakistani military ruler General Pervez Musharraf. He added that no official communication from New Delhi had been received.

Pakistan’s response came a day after Indian Defence Minister Jaswant Singh invited Musharraf to peace talks.

The Indian official also announced that his country was ending its six-month ceasefire with Islamic militants in Kashmir, the Himalayan province over which the neighbours have fought two wars since gaining independence from Britain in 1947.

Musharraf has said on several occasions that he is ready to meet India’s prime minister ‘‘any time, any place, anywhere.’’

Previously, India’s leader had refused, saying he wanted Pakistan first to end cross-border incursions by the Islamic militants. Pakistan denies Indian claims that it backs the rebels.

Sattar called the ceasefire a ‘‘sham.’’ He said ending it ‘‘has removed even the pretence of restraint.’’

Despite the rhetoric, the Indian invitation is a major breakthrough in the stalemate over Kashmir. The two sides broke off all talks two years ago after a bloody border conflict in Kashmir’s Kargil region, and have stayed away from each other since.