India proposes dates to Pakistan for official talks
By IANSSunday, February 7, 2010
NEW DELHI - India has proposed that the foreign secretary-level talks with Paksitan be held either on Feb 18 or Feb 25 and has indicated that it is ready to discuss all bilateral issues of concern.
Pakistan’s High Commissioner Shahid Malik has flown to Islamabad to discuss the proposed dates with the foreign office after holding discussions with Indian Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao here Friday.
The Pakistani side is expected to get back to Indian officials this week, sources said here Sunday.
Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir will travel to New Delhi for wide-ranging talks with Rao that could include issues of concern to both countries.
The decision to start foreign secretary-level talks signal a thaw in bilateral ties and is a reflection of India’s desire to keep “channels of communication open” with its neighbor.
India paused the composite dialogue with Pakistan after the November 26, 2008 Mumbai attacks that were allegedly masterminded and executed by Pakistani militants.
India will focus on its core concern of cross-border terror and the continuing presence of anti-India terror infrastructure on its soil. If Pakistan raises Kashmir and other issues including the issue of river waters, India is ready to listen to Islamabad’s point of view, the sources said.
