The Hindu : Pakistan likely to focus on nuclear-related issues

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Feb 15, 2004

International

International

Pakistan likely to focus on nuclear-related issues

By B. Muralidhar Reddy

ISLAMABAD, FEB. 14. India and Pakistan are expected to finalise the agenda and tentative dates for formal start of the composite dialogue when they meet here for three days from Monday.According to sources in the Pakistan Foreign Office, the 1997 format composite dialogue covers the whole spectrum of issues related to India and Pakistan and any subject not covered specifically could be included under one head or the other.

For instance, the confidence-building measures (CBMs) on nuclear-related issues are not reflected in the 1997 format. It could be part of "peace and security including CBMs," the very first item in the format. Of course, it could even be taken up separately as the February 1999 Lahore Declaration makes a special mention of a host of issues related to it."Shall take immediate steps for reducing the risk of accidental or unauthorised use of nuclear weapons and discuss concepts and doctrines with a view to elaborating measures for CBMs in the nuclear and conventional fields, aimed at prevention of conflicts," the Lahore Declaration had said. Indications are that Pakistan is keen on CBMs on nuclear-related issues in the context of the global concern over the clandestine nuclear sales by its top scientist, A. Q. Khan. At the moment, there is one agreement between India and Pakistan under which both sides exchange information on January 1 each year on nuclear installations.

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