General Musharraf speaks to Pakistani troops near the Indian border

Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has urged frontline troops on the tense border with India to stay alert, saying Pakistan will defend itself and does not fear India's military.

General Musharraf visited soldiers stationed near Lahore Tuesday, and said India should not underestimate Pakistan's ability to strike back.

Also Tuesday, Pakistan offered to hold talks with India on a mutual, phased troop withdrawal from the border, and on reopening transporation links cut by the crisis. Pakistan says when both sides agree on a pullback, they can begin comprehensive talks on the future of the disputed Kashmir region, and other issues.

Indian National Security Advisor Brajesh Mishra said during a visit to Paris Tuesday that despite General Musharraf's pledge to crackdown on terrorism, there has been no real change on the ground.

Late last month, India and Pakistan rushed hundreds of thousands of troops to their border after a terrorist attack on India's parliament. India says it will not pull back its troops until Pakistan stops what it calls "cross-border terrorism." India blames the attack on Pakistani-backed Islamic extremists.

Some information for this report provided by AP.

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