The Hindu : Front Page : It is a ‘great opportunity’ for India and Pakistan: Qureshi

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Tuesday, May 20, 2008
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It is a ‘great opportunity’ for India and Pakistan: Qureshi

Nirupama Subramanian

“Both sides have a better understanding of each other’s point of view”

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi told The Hindu on Monday that with a popularly elected government in place here, “a great opportunity” had arisen for India and Pakistan to make rapid strides in their relations.

The Minister, who is a senior leader in the Pakistan People’s Party, said from studying the notes of the last four rounds of the composite dialogue process, his assessment was that the interaction had been “mutually beneficial” thus far.

“Both sides came closer, both sides have developed a better understanding of each other’s point of view, and in the process measures were taken that have improved [the lives of] Kashmiris, of divided families, it has improved confidence, and it has helped in promoting bilateral trade. These are all positives,” Mr. Qureshi said.

The Minister made these remarks as the two sides prepare to resume their peace process that was on hold for several months on account of the political turmoil in Pakistan.

Foreign Secretary Shiv Shanker Menon arrived here on Monday evening for the talks. On Tuesday he will review the fourth round of talks with his Pakistani counterpart Salman Bashir.

External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee is scheduled to arrive on Tuesday afternoon and will hold a ministerial review of the fourth round with Mr. Qureshi on Wednesday. The two sides may also announce dates for the fifth round.

During his two-day visit, Mr. Mukherjee is scheduled to meet the entire spectrum of political leaders in Pakistan, including the main power centres — President Musharraf, PPP leader Asif Ali Zardari and PML(N) leader Nawaz Sharif. He will also call on Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani and Awami National Party leader Asfandyar Wali Khan.

Describing Mr. Mukherjee as a “seasoned politician” who “represents a mature point of view”, Mr. Qureshi said he looked forward to his first meeting with him.

“Here we have a new government in place, a democratically elected government that has the mandate of the people. It is broad-based – all the major political forces of Pakistan are on board this government, so I feel this is a great opportunity as well to further improve our relations,” the Minister said.

In preparation for the meeting, Mr. Qureshi held a brainstorming session on Pakistan-India ties at the Foreign Ministry with more than a dozen retired ambassadors and senior diplomats.

One of the participants said the general consensus at the meeting was that the peace process had been “useful” and that there was “broad-based support” for it. But individual participants also argued that India had been slow to respond, and that it was time to press New Delhi for results.

Earlier in the day, Mr. Qureshi briefed President Pervez Musharraf on the issues to be taken up at the talks.

Optimism

An official release said President Musharraf “has welcomed the resumption of the composite dialogue process” and “expressed optimism that the talks will lead to some positive conclusion on the outstanding issues between the two countries.”

General (retd.) Musharraf made these remarks during a presentation by Mr. Qureshi.

He also “gave certain directives to the team about the outstanding issues between the two countries” according to the release.

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