Pakistan Says Tension With India Is Reducing

Islamabad, Aug 17, IRNA - Pakistan said all channels of communication are open with India and new signals coming from the eastern neighbor indicate that tensions are reducing. Tensions heightened over exchange of fire between the forces of the nuclear armed neighbors along the Line of Control in the disputed Kashmir region in recent days. Both accuse each other of violating the 2003 ceasefire. Pakistan military sources say that two civilians were killed and 12 others, including four soldiers, were injured in 34 cases of violation by India over the past 12 days. The Pakistani Foreign Ministry said the government has conveyed its concerns on the LoC ceasefire violations to India in a clear way. Spokesman, Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhry told the weekly press briefing in Islamabad that Pakistan's policy is based on restraint‚ responsibility and dialog. He said Pakistan, being itself victim of terrorism cannot allow such a phenomenon exist. We are totally committed to eradicate the menace of terrorism.” He said Pakistan is committed to normalizing its trade relations with India and will try to further expand ties. On recent developments in Egypt‚ the spokesman said Pakistan views with concern the recent bloodshed in that country and, “we are hopeful that all parties resolve their issues amicably to give democracy a chance to prosper.” /end