Musharraf says India must take next step in Kashmir

ISLAMABAD,(AFP) - Pakistani military ruler General Pervez Musharraf said Wednesday the "ball is in India's court" to resume stalled negotiations over Kashmir and other issues.

"This is the right time to initiate a meaningful dialogue on Kashmir and all other issues," the official APP news agency quoted Musharraf as saying.

"My government has taken several steps including reduction of troops on the Line of Control ... (and) providing relief goods to the victims of the Indian quake, which suggest Pakistan seriously wants to resolve issues with India."

The two nuclear neighbours have fought three wars since they gained independence in 1947, two over the divided Himalayan state of Kashmir.

"Pakistan desires peaceful coexistence with all its neighbours in the region," he said.

India has refused Pakistan's requests to resume dialogue, which has been stalled since a bloody border conflict broke out in May 1999.