Pakistan, India Agree To Resolve All Outstanding Issues

Islamabad, Oct 1, IRNA – The Prime Ministers of Pakistan and India have agreed to resolve all outstanding issues including Kashmir through dialogue, state media reported. Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz and his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh at a meeting in New York have discussed ways to normalize bilateral relations. Briefing newsmen after the meeting‚ Indian National Security Advisor‚ Shiv Shankar Menon said the two sides had a useful interaction and expressed the desire to resolve all their outstanding issues through broader dialogue. They discussed issues like Siachin‚ Sir Creek‚ ceasefire on Line of Control and Balochistan during the meeting. Menon said both sides agreed for a ceasefire on the Line of Control and in this regard Director General for Military Operations of the two countries will soon hold a meeting to resolve the issue. He said the two Prime Ministers invited each other to visit their countries. The Pakistani delegation included Advisor to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz‚ Finance Minister Ishaq Dar‚ Minister for Water and Power Khawaja Asif‚ Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Syed Tariq Fatemi‚ Foreign Secretary Jalil Abbas Jilani and Pakistans permanent representative in the United Nations Masood Khan. The Indian delegation included among others External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid‚ Indian National Security Advisor Shiv Shankar Manin and External Affairs Secretary Sajhatta Singh. Foreign Secretary Jalil Abbas Jilani has termed the meeting between Pakistan and Indian Prime Ministers as constructive and positive. Talking to media in New York after meeting, he said however‚ both the sides have not decided new date for further dialog. He said both the leaders discussed all outstanding issues including Jammu and Kashmir. Foreign Secretary said that the Director Generals for Military Operations of Pakistan and India will work together to restore normalcy on the Line of Control. Foreign Secretary said both the leaders also discussed issues of terrorism and agreed to bring the situation normal on the Line of Control. The Foreign Secretary to a question said that all Pakistani institutions are on the same page to resolve all the outstanding issue with India./end