The Hindu : National : Pakistan expects 'forward movement on Kashmir'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Jun 25, 2004

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National

Pakistan expects 'forward movement on Kashmir'

By Amit Baruah

NEW DELHI, JUNE 24. "We expect forward movement on Kashmir," the Pakistani High Commissioner, Aziz Ahmed Khan, said today when asked what he expected from the Foreign Secretary-level talks between India and Pakistan on June 27-28. Peace and security, including confidence-building measures (CBMs) and Jammu and Kashmir are on the agenda.

Talking to this correspondent, Mr. Khan claimed that Kashmir was a conflict festering for some time. "There is a determination on our side that we should move forward."

A nine-member Pakistani delegation led by the Foreign Secretary, Riaz Khokhar, is arriving here on Saturday. Mr. Khokhar is expected to call on the Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, the External Affairs Minister, Natwar Singh, and the National Security Adviser, J.N. Dixit. As per the format of the last Foreign Secretary-level talks held under the "Two Plus Six" structure in October 1998, peace and security will be discussed on June 27 and Kashmir on June 28. These will be the first such talks in about six years.

Referring to the recent talks on nuclear CBMs, Mr. Khan said the signs had been positive from both sides. "Good progress has been made in the discussions on nuclear CBMs."

Asked if he expected an early reopening of the Indian and Pakistani consulates in Karachi and Mumbai, Mr. Khan said: "The subject will come up for discussion between the Foreign Secretaries."

On whether dates and venues had been fixed for the remaining six issues of Siachen, the Wular barrage/Tulbul navigation project, Sir Creek, terrorism and drug trafficking, economic and commercial cooperation and promotion of friendly exchanges, Mr. Khan said these details were still to be worked out. As per the joint press statement issued by the two sides in February this year, the talks on these six issues are to take place in July. After discussions on all the eight subjects are completed, the two Foreign Ministers will hold a meeting in August to "review the overall progress." A one-day meeting of Foreign Secretaries will precede this.

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