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New Delhi/Yekaterinburg
Six months after the Mumbai terror attacks put the peace process between India and Pakistan on “pause”, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday directed their Foreign Secretaries to meet before the NAM summit in Egypt, where the two leaders are likely to meet again.The summit of Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) countries will take place mid-July in Sharm-el-Sheikh in Egypt, and indications are the FS-level meeting is likely to be held in the last week of June or early July.
Manmohan Singh on Tuesday told President Zardari to take action to stop terrorism against India emanating from his country’s soil. Setting the tone for the meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, Singh, shaking hands with Zardari, bluntly told him in front of television cameras that “my mandate is to tell you that Pakistan territory should not be used for terrorism against India.”
An embarrassed Zardari told the Prime Minister to let “them (media) go” out of the room before they could have a detailed discussion.
The decision to go ahead with Foreign Secretary-level talks means a slow and gradual process of resuming dialogue has begun. The move sends out a signal to the US that New Delhi has made the first incremental step towards dialogue with Islamabad and is not an obstructionist. The US has been pushing for resumption of dialogue, although Undersecretary of State (political affairs) William Burns had said last week that the “pace, scope and character” of the talks have to be decided by India and Pakistan.
While South Block is adamant that this meeting does not mean resumption of composite dialogue between the countries, sources said that the meeting between the two Foreign Secretaries will not only discuss terrorism but other issues of mutual concern as well.
Besides breaking the ice between the two sides, this step has raised hopes of heralding discussions on a slew of pending issues between the two sides in “due course” of time: talks on Sir Creek dispute, Siachen and liberalisation of visa regimes among them.
Briefing the media on the meeting, Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon said: “The Prime Minister conveyed to the Pakistan President the full extent of our expectation of strong and effective steps to prevent use of Pakistani territory for terrorism against India.”
Menon made it clear that meetings between Singh and Zardari and the Foreign Secretaries did not mean resumption of dialogue. “Foreign Secretaries will discuss the primary issue of terrorism and what Pakistan has done... we would like to hear what they have done to end terrorism directed against India,” he said.
Menon said relations between India and Pakistan were under “considerable stress” and the prime cause for it was terror acts coming out of Pakistan.
During the meeting, Zardari explained “some of the efforts” made by Pakistan to deal with terrorism and the “problem” Pakistan faced in this regard. As a follow up to Tuesday’s deliberations, Foreign Secretaries of the two countries would discuss “what Pakistan is doing and what can be done”, Menon said, adding that the conclusions would be conveyed to the respective leaders so that they could take a view on it.
During the meeting, Singh is also believed to have conveyed India’s disappointment over the release of Jamaat-ud-Dawa chief Hafeez Mohammad Saeed. On Pakistan’s contention that it was also a victim of terrorism, Menon said: “There is terrorism in Pakistan but that is not an issue here. What has paused the dialogue is terrorism coming out of Pakistan against India like the Mumbai attacks.”
On Pakistan’s insistence on resumption of dialogue, Menon said: “We too would like the dialogue, but the issue (terrorism directed against India) has to be addressed.”
Menon referred to the Prime Minister’s statement that it was in India’s interest to try to make peace with Pakistan “but it takes two hands to clap.” Menon said India had never said it would not talk to Pakistan but the issue of terrorism had to be addressed.
Menon sought to downplay Singh’s message to Zardari in front of media by saying much should not be read into it as the Prime Minister “wanted to say something and said it.”
Menon and his Pakistani counterpart, Salman Bashir, had last met in July last year for the Composite Dialogue process in Delhi. This time, Pakistan’s diplomatic sources point out, it is Islamabad’s turn to host the meeting. Sources, however, don’t rule out a meeting in New Delhi as well.
New Delhi is now expecting a firm action by Islamabad before the FS-level talks ¿ there are indications that Punjab government in Pakistan will file a petition to review the Lahore High Court judgement to free Jamaat-ud-Dawa chief Hafiz Saeed before the June-end/early July meeting.
Though these are early signs of a thaw, if Pakistan is seen to be taking “credible steps”, then there are possibilities of negotiations to begin on some of the issues which are considered to be “low hanging fruits” between the two countries.
(with PTI inputs)
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So much of hatred, desperation, anger, bias and hypocritical these two arch rival neighbouring countries are with each other. For your information MMS is not a lame duck or impotent. Indian politicians and its system are the most corrupt in the world. Whatever is happening in Pakistan or rest of the world its credit goes to US. What is happening in India is because of cold war and US its past preparatory. Please don’t think US will do any favour to Pakistan this time. They are befooling Pakistan as before and holding talk with India is just an excuse which have been failure in past. This is only to divert the attention of Pakistan public towards India as they are in war towards their own people. Please also don’t think that India will give any concession to Pakistan, this time also, which is fighting for its very survival is close to its destruction in pieces. India is shrewd player in politics and diplomacy and is part of the great game of Israel. Trust your PM, he is competent
So much of hatred, desperation, anger, bias and hypocritical these two arch rival neighbouring countries are with each other. For your information MMS is not a lame duck or impotent. Indian politicians and its system are the most corrupt in the world. Whatever is happening in Pakistan or rest of the world its credit goes to US. What is happening in India is because of cold war and US its past preparatory. Please don’t think US will do any favour to Pakistan this time. They are befooling Pakistan as before and holding talk with India is just an excuse which have been failure in past. This is only to divert the attention of Pakistan public towards India as they are in war towards their own people. Please also don’t think that India will give any concession to Pakistan, this time also, which is fighting for its very survival is close to its destruction in pieces. India is shrewd player in politics and diplomacy and is part of the great game of Israel. Trust your PM, he is competent.
EVER SINCE UPA DECIDED TO GO FOR THE U.S. NUCLEAR DEAL, U.S.A. HAS BEEN DICTATING INDIA'S INTERNAL
Let us face facts. Pakistan has numerous fronts of power- The President, PM, Army, ISI, terrorists-this has been the case right from its initial years. Talking to Zardari is just one dimensional To ask for 'a' power centre amongst many to control the others will be too much. If we want peace, we must be trying to neutralise/navigate( or what ever you can call ) all or most of these fronts to our benefit. I suggest that we not only talk to Zardari but also to the PM, army, ISI and Sharrief Brothers and in the process,isolate the violent ones - this will surely help get a sustainable peace within our borders
When Pakistan says that they are also facing terrorism, India needs to point out that the terrorism that eminates out of Pakistan and into India is by groups that Pakistan has contol over but chooses to be lenient with them. That is not excusable. As a soverign country Pakistan cannot allow its territory to be freely used by any group to wage war against any country. While its actions to stop groups from waging war against America is commendable, its lack of action or hood winking / sham of action to control terror groups operating against India is punishible by India and amount to support war against India.
Obsession for talking with Pak is a fashion with Indian politicians irrespective of what PAK is doing with Indians. Atleast PM could have asked Zardari to handover Daud Ibrahim as an evident of good intentions to resume talks. Otherwise this will be another resumption of talks, followed by back stabbing by PAK as usual.
Though we got freedom as a nation , our nation is being raped by outsiders
Unlike many other countries of the world, our country responds meekly every time we face threat to its national security and sovereignty. But it is but natural for a country which has already drifted away miles together from its root, thanks to slavery of centuries. We live with no concept of NATION
There is no need to talk to Pak now. Nothing has changed in them. Pak will promote terrorism against India in their soil and India cannot stop it. Put a double fence and power it with 220kV high voltage. Let any intruder try to touch it and face the consequence. Spend less on Military. Monitor the entire LOC using electronic radar eyes. Use more intelligence than sheer power. Never think of waging a war against Pak, as it will help unite Pakistan. Pakistan is in the process of disintegration - FATA and NWFP not in their control, Balochistan trying to secede, POK remote controlled and not inspired to be with Pakistan, Sindh nationalism spreading. Only Punjab is Pakistan now. If India does anything closer to war, then the Pakistanis will get a reason to be united and never give them such an opportunity. Leave them like this and the country will get spoiled in a short period. In India GDP is a measure of Industrial growth whereas in Pakistan, it is measure of fundamentalism and terrorism.
Even if vote bank politics are OK and not illegitimate, why only for congress? Where are hindu terrorists now manufactured before elections? These congressis will finish the best CM, Mr Modi, politicially. Why is it OK to divide people of India in SC ST OBC Muslims or hindus and muslims? If Indian muslims are Indians first, they should demand action for end of Kashmiri occupation, hurl tri-color in lal chowk and every chowk of India. Congress is guilty of not integrating them fast enough, educate them, provide them employment means etc etc. The sad story is that the fanatics of educated masses are even brainwashed by wahabic and jehadic islam, who are never punished or brought to justice!! Congress does not care, nor did BJP. India is poised to be Islamic republic soon.
As such there has been threat for our nation by so called secular credentials.to appease minority , this coward govt will not take any action.We need to understand first the difference between indian muslims
This just leaves me wondering if we are a coward nation? Governed by a coward PM and leaders. Toying with the emotions of citizens time and again.
U get lost u scumbag, chaning names and posting hateful comments against india on indian forum won't help you.
Dear Mr. Amir, let me ask you a question that is that Pakistan a stable country? How many wars are you managing right now in your country? Have you solved your problems with Talibans and other tribals? To feed the existing population you need grand from America. To protect ur existing countrymen you need weapons and grand from America. Please try to manage efficiently your country first and then ask for Kashmir. To be frank, prove yourself to us that you can feed our Kashmiri brothers, and you have enough capacity to protect them and educate them, then we may think that to give Kashmir to you. Regarding of the credential of the media, we did see ur media during 26/11. The guys who were anchoring TV shows were so sure that Kasab was an Indian since he was wearing a "Rakhi" on wrist. Eventually few days later his fathr appeared to media from Pakistan and now Pakistan admit that. You are a bunch idiots and jokers..Look at us, we got freedom on same night, and whr u placed now?
Now that Congress is back in power it will play itself - appease Islamic Jihadis world over. This comes as no surprise since Manmohan and team were never serious about 26/11 and it is now business as usual. We can forget about any security for next 5 yrs and are practically at mercy of terrorists
Who authorized this government to start peace talk. Do they think that we forget 26/11 that soon. They can start talking only after the culprits are punished by law. Till that time we are "against dialogue with Islamabad and are obstructionist" - WHAT'S WRONG IN IT?!!!WE HAVE ALREADY SHOWN OUR PATIENCE SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE, THE WORLD KNOWS ABOUT IT.
Indian Think Tank should know our Pak-brother set his own home on fire by inept and childish reasoning! Fire is now at our door step! Let the world hire dedicated Indian Youth ( freedom already given to Islamic and Wahabi forces by Govt. of India)to join US forces, the after few years can seek their green Card. Why not offer Hospital services, armed forces to defend NATO assets so they can chase Wahabi-Taliban! Why we help Taliban, with a win win situation. Why we have clueless thinking! Open the door to the fireman, busy trying to salvage next door thus save our home. Oh God Give us people who not just sit back and sleep!
prez zardari is a commercial commodity .. now perhaps he is taking a cut in dollers... having said that still fact remains india and pak have to solve the problems . left by british the inheriters of indus valley civilisation agan and agn prove they lack intelect to solve essentially a politician cread problem . ultimately it has to be resolved by talks better between the two then international mediation . stop politics and finish it . people r suffering . america is in pak india is not too far.. remember neo colonialism is well masked and geared to keep white supremacy in all events despite various changes that can happen in the hagemony . india pak china and all have to consider asea vs eu and u.s a s dire threats and unite once that happens there is stopping till these nations once again r the leaders and guides of the world. u.s and e.u have given only wars. we deserve peace and progress that ind china pak and other asean paterners can provide. sagoline
Why everyone is foul playing that minorities are considered as vote banks... If every citizen of India who has right to vote votes, then minorities will be minorities. Poeple here doesnt vote and say vote bank politics. Let every citizen who has right to vote, should have voted and then we should have a strong will to be against any issues against our country, economy, growth. Everyone is old and we are tired of listening to those same old and useless speeches of our Netas and Babus...Let this change and change it forever.
All these empty "threats" by Indian govt are utterly useless unless some concrete action against Pakistan is taken by Indians. Pakistan has been "warned" so many times earlier too, do we have anything to show for them. In spite of all the warnings and threats by India, US and some other countries, Pakis have been successful in stealing nuclear and missile technology, diverting aid for military buildup against India and last but not the least, actively promoting terrorism against India.
17-6-09One weak and sick dummy PM in talks to an ineffective Paki president who can be executed by ISI any day. Both are made to talk by the cowboy nation USE, which gave the nuclear bomb details to Pakis secretly and allowed it to distribute to all over the Islamic world and to North Korea. USA is a nation that created by Talibans, and trained and armed them. The whole thing will generate good business for USA. There were reports that USA wanted to dismember India by 2015 and these reports cannot be ignored. Many US senators have called for the creation of Nagaland for Jesus, and long back they tried to created a new nation out of Sikkim by planting a lady CIA operative in the Sikkim King’s family
Zardari dont need to fool you. Who the hell you guys things you are. you are nothing but new money. Go ahead and do what ever your country want to do. let's settle it once for ever. you are killing innocent people in pakistan day in day out, but you only remember mumbai attacks. every one knows who is supporting militants in pakistan north with the help of Afghans, and in Balochistan too. please pursue your leaders to declare War on us and we will see what happens. We may die, but we will not allow anyone to celebrate victory either.
Man Mohan Sab please stop Maoist Christain terrorism in India first instead of talking to Pakies
Oh Indians And Pakistanis please change your minds and go together if we don"t change our minds then what we will give next generation .Please change your way .Thanks Indians Pakistanis
IT IS REPORTED THAT AIR INDIA WILL PAY JUNE SALARY AFTER 15 DAYS -----THE 20 YEAR OLD PRACTICE OF APPOINTING IAS AS MANAGING DIRECTOR MUST BE DISCONTINUED IMMEDIATELY----WHEN A IAS JOINS AS MD HE DOES NOT KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT AVIATION----SENIOR OFFICIALS TEACH HIM AND BY THE TIME HE BECOMES CONVERSANT HIS TENUIRE IS OVER---WHAT IS THE MEANING OF ALL THIS TAMASHA? ----THE PRACTISE OF HEADING ALL PUBLIC SECTOR UNITS BY IAS MUST BE STOPPED IMMEDIATELY--IAS SHOULD BE RESTRICTED TO ADMINISTRATION IN DISTRICTS, AND GOVERNMENT OFFICES AND NOT IN SPECIALISED PSUs