New Delhi, October 28
German Federal Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder arrived here today on a four-day visit to discuss with Indian leaders the security scenario and express gratitude for their unqualified support to the global coalition in its fight against terrorism.

Earlier, at a joint press conference with Mr Schroeder in Islamabad, Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf suggested resumption of the Indo-Pak summit in New York on the format discussed at the aborted Agra Summit as the visiting Chancellor egged the two neighbours to pick up the threads left at the Taj city.

Virtually making a direct appeal to India, General Musharraf, said, “It is our desire that the two countries should resume dialogue on the format agreed at Agra which should be revived.”

General Musharraf’s comments followed reports that he has decided to go to the USA on a five-day visit starting from November 8 to address the UN General Assembly and meet world leaders, including US President George W. Bush.

The timing of his visit to New York is significant as Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee is also scheduled to begin his US tour to meet Mr Bush and address the General Assembly from November 9.

Mr Vajpayee has already expressed reservations in meeting General Musharraf following the Pakistani leader’s reluctance to provide a commitment to withdraw support to cross-border terrorism in Kashmir.

In his brief statement, Mr Schroeder stressed the need for an intra-Afghan government after the Taliban was removed from power. “We are in total agreement on it”, he said referring to his talks with General Musharraf.