PAK-QURESHI 3 LAST

In reply to a question on whether Pakistan would seek
an assurance from India that it would not break off the talks
if there was another Mumbai-like terrorist attack, Qureshi did
not give a direct answer but said: "The terrorist incident in
Mumbai caused a setback in ties.


Such incidents are occurring
in Pakistan almost every day and nationals of many countries
are involved in attacks that kill innocent people.
"Have we snapped ties with these countries and stopped
talking to them? We have not broken off ties with governments.
Should we tackle this problem jointly or break off ties and
strengthen the hands of forces who want just that to happen?"
he added.
The objective of yesterday's inter-ministerial meet
was to consult all stakeholders and discuss India's offer in
the backdrop of the meeting between High Commissioner Malik
and Foreign Secretary Rao.
Qureshi said he would share the outcome of the meeting
with the political leadership and "then we will chart a way
forward".
Pakistan has no concerns about the dates suggested by
India – February 18 or 25 – and the talks could be held in
such a manner that they did not clash with other programmes of
the Pakistani Foreign Secretary, he said.
Asked about the progress made in the four rounds of
the composite dialogue that began in 2004, Qureshi said: "It
would not be correct to say there was only nominal progress or
that the four rounds were not beneficial. I believe there was
incremental progress and confidence-building measures were
adopted on peace and security and Kashmir." PTI RHL
AHM



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