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Thursday, Sep 09, 2004

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National

Experts to handle trade-related issues

By Amit Baruah

NEW DELHI, SEPT. 8. The Foreign Ministers of Pakistan and India, Natwar Singh and Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri, have agreed to establish a "committee of experts" to consider trade-related issues while deciding to implement the outcome of the August meeting between Defence Secretaries on the Siachen issue, the joint statement issued after the September 5-6 meetings between the two Foreign Ministers said. (At the August meeting, India and Pakistan agreed to discuss further modalities for disengaging and redeploying troops in Siachen).

Other highlights of the statement include agreement on holding expert-level meetings on conventional and nuclear confidence-building measures (CBMs) and a meeting on "all issues" relating to the commencement of the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus service.

`Satisfactory'

Expressing satisfaction at the progress in the composite dialogue, the Foreign Ministers "positively assessed" developments in bilateral relations over the past year. "Recalling the assurance contained in the joint press statement of January 6, 2004, [given by Pakistan on restricting terrorists from using its territory] they exchanged views on carrying the process forward in an atmosphere free from terrorism and violence."

"The Ministers held detailed and substantive discussions and reiterated the confidence that the composite dialogue will lead to peaceful settlement of all bilateral issues, including Jammu and Kashmir, to the satisfaction of both sides. They agreed to continue with the serious and sustained dialogue to find a negotiated peaceful settlement. They expressed their determination to take the process forward," the joint statement said.

At the outset, the statement had the countries reiterating their commitment to the "principles and purposes" of the United Nations' Charter and their determination to implement the Shimla Agreement in letter and spirit.

Pipeline issue

On the pipeline issue, the Ministers recognised the importance of availability and access to energy resources around South Asia. "The Ministers of Petroleum/Gas could meet to discuss the issue in its multifarious dimensions," it said.

"It was also agreed that the two Foreign Secretaries would meet in December 2004 to discuss overall progress as well as the subjects of peace and security, including CBMs, and Jammu and Kashmir in the composite dialogue.

"They would also work out the schedule of meetings on the other six subjects, i.e. Siachen; Wular barrage / Tulbul navigation project; Sir Creek; terrorism and drug trafficking, economic and commercial cooperation; and promotion of friendly exchanges in various fields..."

The joint statement was released today simultaneously in New Delhi and Islamabad. Its release was delayed as Mr. Kasuri spent an extra two days in the capital after concluding formal talks with Mr. Natwar Singh on September 6. Earlier, the Foreign Secretaries met in a preparatory session on September 4.

Mr. Kasuri returned to Pakistan this evening.

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