The Hindu : Front Page : Peace should continue at all costs: Kasuri

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Sep 08, 2004

Front Page

Peace should continue at all costs: Kasuri

By Mohammed Iqbal

JAIPUR, SEPT. 7. The Pakistan Foreign Minister, Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri, today expressed the hope that India and Pakistan would tread the path of peace and harmony "despite several difficulties." The people in both the countries wanted friendly relations and peace in the region.

Talking to reporters after performing ziarat (pilgrimage) at the Dargah of the Sufi saint, Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, in Ajmer this morning, Mr. Kasuri said he and his Indian counterpart, Natwar Singh, had decided that the efforts to establish peace should continue at all costs. "This is also the stand of the Governments of India and Pakistan."

Pointing out that he had come with a message to foster friendship, he said: "The dialogue we are engaging with India is with sincerity."

Describing Mr. Singh as a man with considerable experience, Mr. Kasuri said: "I feel that both of us have started understanding each other. We both know that the issues before us are very difficult and complex but we are trying to respect each other's point of view in totality."

Asked about the results of the current bilateral talks, Mr. Kasuri said it was a matter of perception and those criticising the talks "should try to see the half-empty glass as half-full."

Earlier, Mr. Kasuri — accompanied by his wife, Nasreen Kasuri, the Pakistan High Commissioner to India, Aziz Ahmed Khan, and senior High Commission officials — visited the Dargah and offered a green velvet chadar (shawl).

Message to all people

Mr. Kasuri spent about 20 minutes inside the mausoleum and sought the Sufi saint's blessings. He also offered floral tributes at the tomb.

Later, he said, "I want to send a message not only to the Muslims in India, but to all the Indian people including Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, Jains and other communities that people of Pakistan want friendship with all of you."

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