India, Pak give a push to peace process
* LoC can’t be final border: Pervez
* PM rubs in Pak commitment to end terror
By H.K. Dua
New Delhi, April 18
Changed circumstances and a personal rapport that came to be seen during the last three days in Delhi have clearly helped Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf give a push to the peace process they have chosen to embark on. Unlike what happened at Agra four years ago where General Musharraf walked out of the talks in a huff, he left Delhi today happy at the outcome.
In videos: (28k, 56k), (28k, 56k)

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New Delhi, April 18 Determining that the peace process is irreversible in keeping with the overwhelming desire of the peoples of India and Pakistan, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and President Gen Pervez Musharraf had substantive talks on all issues, including Jammu and Kashmir.
Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf shakes hands with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh following a joint press conference, in New Delhi on Monday. — AFP photo

Indo-Pak joint statement
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Edit: Peace gains momentum

An extra round of talks
New Delhi, April 18
Just before Prime Minister Manmohan Singh read out the joint statement on Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf’s India visit in the presence of Gen Musharraf this morning, the two leaders had an unscheduled round of informal talks.

Strike leaves petrol stations dry
New Delhi, April 18
Petrol dealers across the country today observed one-day complete nationwide strike to press upon the government to increase their commission on the sale of petrol and diesel, last revised in 2001.

Business page: VAT decision on petro products soon
Punjab page: Petrol station owners observe strike

US backs Japan for  UN seat
Tokyo, April 18
New US ambassador to Japan Thomas Schieffer today said that Washington still supported Japan’s bid to be a permanent member of the Security Council, despite balking at a deadline to expand the UN body.

Seer pleads for transfer of case New Delhi, April 18 Kanchi Shankaracharya Jayendra Saraswati, facing charges in the murder of a temple manager, today pleaded the Supreme Court for transferring his case outside Tamil Nadu on the ground that he would not get fair trial as Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa was “actively controlling” the prosecution proceeding through her trusted officer Prem Kumar, who is in charge of the Special Investigating Team.