India, Pak leaders should build bridges and not walls: Gilani

The political leaders of India and Pakistan should build "bridges and not walls" as talks are the only way forward for the two neighbouring countries, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said today.

The political leaders of India and Pakistan should build "bridges and not walls" as talks are the only way forward for the two neighbouring countries, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said on Friday.

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"Talks (between the two countries) are imperative and politicians should build bridges and not walls," Gilani told reporters here on the sidelines of a function marking the inauguration of the new stock exchange.

Gilani lauded his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh's statement in parliament about dialogue being the only option for the two countries to improve their relations.

"Manmohan Singh sahab very boldly presented his views in parliament and I appreciate that. It is proof of his leadership and wisdom that he understands that talks are the only way forward. There can be no other alternate," he said.

Asked whether he had raised Pakistan's concerns about India's alleged "interference" in Balochistan province during his meeting with Singh in Egypt on July 16, Gilani said he had "mentioned our concerns" to the Indian Prime Minister.

Gilani quoted Singh as saying that all issues between the two countries would be resolved through negotiations.