Pakistan
and India on Friday agreed to continue discussions on the issue of
Jammu and Kashmir in a purposeful and forward looking manner with the
view to finding a peaceful solution by narrowing divergences and
building convergences. They also agreed to convene a meeting of the Working Group on Cross-LoC CBMs to recommend measures for strengthening and streamlining the existing trade and travel arrangements across the Line of Control (LoC) and propose modalities for introducing additional Cross-LoC CBMs.“The
Working Group will meet in July 2011”, this was agreed during the
foreign secretaries level talks between Pakistan and India held here on
June 23-24 under the resumed dialogue process on peace and security,
including confidence building measures (CBMs), Jammu and Kashmir and
promotion of friendly exchanges.
Three sessions of talks were held.According to a joint statement issued after the two-day parleys, the talks were held in a
frank and cordial atmosphere. Both the sides reiterated their intention
to carry forward the dialogue process in a constructive and purposeful
manner.
The issues of peace and security, including CBMs, were discussed in a comprehensive manner. Both the sides emphasized the importance of constructive dialogue to promote mutual understanding.
They noted the ongoing implementation of various nuclear and conventional CBMs.They also decided to convene separate expert level meetings on nuclear and conventional CBMs to discuss implementation and strengthening of existing arrangements and to consider additional measures, which are mutually acceptable, to build trust and confidence and promote peace and security.
The dates for the expert level meetings will be determined through diplomatic channels.The Foreign Secretaries noted that both the countries recognize that terrorism poses a continuing threat to peace and security. They reiterated the firm and undiluted commitment of the two countries to fight and eliminate this scourge in all its forms and manifestations. They agreed on the need to strengthen cooperation on counter-terrorism.
The Foreign Secretaries exchanged views on the issue of Jammu and Kashmir and agreed to continue discussions in a purposeful and forward looking manner with the view to finding a peaceful solution by narrowing divergences and building convergences.
Both the sides agreed to convene a meeting of the Working Group on Cross-LoC CBMs to recommend measures for strengthening and streamlining the existing trade and travel arrangements across the LoC and propose modalities for introducing additional Cross-LoC CBMs. The Working Group will meet in July 2011.
Both the sides agreed to the need for promoting friendly exchanges between the two countries. They noted with satisfaction the progress made towards finalization of the Visa Agreement which will help liberalize the visa regime and facilitate people-to-people, business-to-business and sports contacts.
The two sides also discussed measures for promoting cooperation in various fields, including facilitating visits to religious shrines, media exchanges, holding of sports tournaments and cessation of hostile propaganda against each other.
The Foreign Secretaries agreed that the people of two countries are at the heart of the relationship and that humanitarian issues should be accorded priority and treated with sensitivity.The Foreign Secretary of India called on the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar.
The Foreign Secretaries will meet again in New Delhi, on a date to be decided through diplomatic channels, to prepare for the meeting of the Foreign/External Affairs Ministers in New Delhi in July 2011.
The Foreign Secretaries noted that both the countries recognize that terrorism poses a continuing threat to peace and security.The issues of peace and security, including CBMs, were discussed in a comprehensive manner. Both the sides emphasized the importance of constructive dialogue to promote mutual understanding.
They noted the ongoing implementation of various nuclear and conventional CBMs.They also decided to convene separate expert level meetings on nuclear and conventional CBMs to discuss implementation and strengthening of existing arrangements and to consider additional measures, which are mutually acceptable, to build trust and confidence and promote peace and security.
The dates for the expert level meetings will be determined through diplomatic channels.The Foreign Secretaries noted that both the countries recognize that terrorism poses a continuing threat to peace and security. They reiterated the firm and undiluted commitment of the two countries to fight and eliminate this scourge in all its forms and manifestations. They agreed on the need to strengthen cooperation on counter-terrorism.
The Foreign Secretaries exchanged views on the issue of Jammu and Kashmir and agreed to continue discussions in a purposeful and forward looking manner with the view to finding a peaceful solution by narrowing divergences and building convergences.
Both the sides agreed to convene a meeting of the Working Group on Cross-LoC CBMs to recommend measures for strengthening and streamlining the existing trade and travel arrangements across the LoC and propose modalities for introducing additional Cross-LoC CBMs. The Working Group will meet in July 2011.
Both the sides agreed to the need for promoting friendly exchanges between the two countries. They noted with satisfaction the progress made towards finalization of the Visa Agreement which will help liberalize the visa regime and facilitate people-to-people, business-to-business and sports contacts.
The two sides also discussed measures for promoting cooperation in various fields, including facilitating visits to religious shrines, media exchanges, holding of sports tournaments and cessation of hostile propaganda against each other.
The Foreign Secretaries agreed that the people of two countries are at the heart of the relationship and that humanitarian issues should be accorded priority and treated with sensitivity.The Foreign Secretary of India called on the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar.
The Foreign Secretaries will meet again in New Delhi, on a date to be decided through diplomatic channels, to prepare for the meeting of the Foreign/External Affairs Ministers in New Delhi in July 2011.
They
reiterated the firm and undiluted commitment of two countries to fight
and eliminate the scourge in all its forms and manifestations.
They agreed on the need to strengthen cooperation on counter-terrorism.The Foreign Secretaries agreed that the people of two countries were at the heart of relationship and that humanitarian issues should be accorded priority and treated with sensitivity.
Salman Bashir said they were satisfied with the quality of talks, which were marked by understanding of each other’s sensitivities.
About Jammu and Kashmir, he said, the two countries had their well known position but nevertheless they agreed to continue to further discuss the issue with a view to finding a common ground.
Replying to a question about Mumbai attacks, Salman Bashir said the interior and home secretaries discussed the issue of terrorism comprehensively and there had been two-way communication on issues involved.
He said, “Pakistan understand concerns in India about Mumbai incident and we believe that the issue of terrorism requires objectivity and collaborative approach.”Nirupama Rao said during their discussions they were guided by the vision of the Prime Ministers of Pakistan and India to build trust and confidence.
She was of the view that there was need to take incremental steps to promote mutual confidence and understanding.
She said, “We are inspired by the goal of eventual normalization of relations and resolution of the outstanding issues through peaceful ways and sustained bilateral dialogue.”
Rao said, “The shadow of violence has caused untold sufferings to our people and this should come to an end. The ideology of military conflict should have no place in the paradigm of our relationship in the 21st Century.”
She said, “ the relationship should be characterized by vocabulary of peace and all-round cooperation in the interest of our people.”
Replying to a question about specifics of the Kashmir issue discussed in the meeting, the Indian Foreign Secretary said peace and reconciliation should be step by step. Both the countries had well known positions on this issue and there was need to further discuss it to find common ground for its solution.
She said, “We can discuss resolution of such complex issues in an atmosphere free of violence.”
She said the Working Group on Cross-LoC CBMs would discuss matters like increase in trading points, travel permits, banking facilities, bus transportation link and improving road connectivity.
Regarding incident of Samjotha Express bombing, Ms. Nirupama Rao said, “India has stated clearly that once investigation is complete we will share the outcome with the Government of Pakistan.”
About Mumbai attacks, she said, the interior and home secretaries had very useful discussions on the issue.
Replying to a question, Nirupama Rao said they had useful discussion on the Mumbai incident which was a follow-up of meetings earlier held between the home and interior secretaries of the two countries.
Nirupama Rao said, “We discussed 26/11 incident and its trial and India conveyed its concern for a satisfactory closure, which will help the two countries move forward.”
Commenting on talks on the 26/11 incident, Secretary Salman Bashir said there has been two-way communication on the issue and that spirit prevailed during the talks, which will result in something useful.He said, “We do understand concern of India about Mumbai.” APP
They agreed on the need to strengthen cooperation on counter-terrorism.The Foreign Secretaries agreed that the people of two countries were at the heart of relationship and that humanitarian issues should be accorded priority and treated with sensitivity.
Salman Bashir said they were satisfied with the quality of talks, which were marked by understanding of each other’s sensitivities.
About Jammu and Kashmir, he said, the two countries had their well known position but nevertheless they agreed to continue to further discuss the issue with a view to finding a common ground.
Replying to a question about Mumbai attacks, Salman Bashir said the interior and home secretaries discussed the issue of terrorism comprehensively and there had been two-way communication on issues involved.
He said, “Pakistan understand concerns in India about Mumbai incident and we believe that the issue of terrorism requires objectivity and collaborative approach.”Nirupama Rao said during their discussions they were guided by the vision of the Prime Ministers of Pakistan and India to build trust and confidence.
She was of the view that there was need to take incremental steps to promote mutual confidence and understanding.
She said, “We are inspired by the goal of eventual normalization of relations and resolution of the outstanding issues through peaceful ways and sustained bilateral dialogue.”
Rao said, “The shadow of violence has caused untold sufferings to our people and this should come to an end. The ideology of military conflict should have no place in the paradigm of our relationship in the 21st Century.”
She said, “ the relationship should be characterized by vocabulary of peace and all-round cooperation in the interest of our people.”
Replying to a question about specifics of the Kashmir issue discussed in the meeting, the Indian Foreign Secretary said peace and reconciliation should be step by step. Both the countries had well known positions on this issue and there was need to further discuss it to find common ground for its solution.
She said, “We can discuss resolution of such complex issues in an atmosphere free of violence.”
She said the Working Group on Cross-LoC CBMs would discuss matters like increase in trading points, travel permits, banking facilities, bus transportation link and improving road connectivity.
Regarding incident of Samjotha Express bombing, Ms. Nirupama Rao said, “India has stated clearly that once investigation is complete we will share the outcome with the Government of Pakistan.”
About Mumbai attacks, she said, the interior and home secretaries had very useful discussions on the issue.
Replying to a question, Nirupama Rao said they had useful discussion on the Mumbai incident which was a follow-up of meetings earlier held between the home and interior secretaries of the two countries.
Nirupama Rao said, “We discussed 26/11 incident and its trial and India conveyed its concern for a satisfactory closure, which will help the two countries move forward.”
Commenting on talks on the 26/11 incident, Secretary Salman Bashir said there has been two-way communication on the issue and that spirit prevailed during the talks, which will result in something useful.He said, “We do understand concern of India about Mumbai.” APP
