National Security Adviser Brajesh Mishra on Saturday favoured a step-by-step process of dialogue with Pakistan.

But he made it clear that the process will begin only after cross-border terrorism ends permanently. At a press conference in New Delhi after meeting US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage, he said there were 'a number of issues' that have to be resolved with Pakistan, including Kashmir, Siachen and Sir Creek.

"I cannot tell you today what kind of solution will be found really once the dialogue begins and it is sustained over a period. We must not jump into some meeting or anything like that at the present moment. This is an opportunity. It should not be wasted by acting in haste. And from the reactions I have seen in the media of Pakistan, apparently this is also the desire on the part of Pakistan to proceed stage-by-stage," he said.