India, Pakistan to take trust building process forward ISLAMABAD: The foreign ministers of India and Pakistan had what they called a prolonged discussions aimed at paving the way for serious, comprehensive and sustained dialogue on issues of mutual interest and concerns.

Indian Minister for External Affairs, S M Krishna and Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi held a press briefing after holding a comprehensive meeting in Islamabad on Thursday.

The briefing had to be delayed for six hours because what Krishna said that 'the nature of the discussion we had was such that it could not be concluded on time'.

"India is committed to being a sincere partner in the effort to establish peaceful and progressive relationship between India and Pakistan," the Indian External Minister asserted, reiterating that India desires peaceful, stable and prosperous Pakistan.

To a question regarding Indian involvement in Balochistan unrest, Krishna said: "This was mentioned in Sharm al-Shaikh, where the two prime ministers met. We have been waiting for some evidence being provided by Pakistan of Indian involvement. If credible evidence or any evidence is provided to the government of India of our involvement, India will certainly look into it."

Shah Mehmood replying to the same question said, the issue of destabilization in Balochistan and Brahamdagh Bugti was raised during the meeting with his Indian counterpart. He demanded of the Indian government to cancel the Indian passport held by Brahamdagh Bugti.

The Indian External Minister said there has been an increase in infiltration across the line of control, particularly in 2008 and 2009 and government of India has been monitoring these infiltrations.

Shah Mehmood Qureshi reacted to it by saying, 'infiltration is not he policy of Pakistan or any intelligence agency of Pakistan.' He said he told the Indian delegation to deal firmly with the individuals who cross over; Pakistan would cooperate.

He said that DGMOs could have taken up the issue of infiltration, if any, during their weekly interaction, saying it is the only appropriate way to tackle the issue.

Regarding investigation into Mumbai attacks, S M Krishna said all evidence has been given out to Pakistan including the leads provided by David Headly and 'I am going back with the assurance coming from the highest level of the political leadership of the country.' He said he is pleased that the Foreign Minister Qureshi has assured him to bring all the perpetrators of Mumbai attack to justice.

Shah Mehmood Qureshi in the matter said that 'we should allow the judicial process to take its time in undertaking the due course.'

Replying to a query on human rights violations by Indian government in parts of occupied Kashmir, the Indian External Affairs Minister said: "We have an institution to monitor human rights violation besides NGOs. The state government and appropriate human rights agencies will certainly take up any violation that takes place there."

Earlier, S M Krishan said the two foreign ministers had a cordial exchange of views on a number of issues including the current state of bilateral relations, keeping in view the mandate given to them by their respective prime ministers.

Shah Mehmood Qureshi said relations between Indian and Pakistan have been complex. "Let's not forget the difficulties, let's not forget history and impediments that have come between us. Today we are democracies which engage. We are politicians who believe in dialogue. We will never come to dead ends."

Thursday, July 15, 2010

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