India-Pak talks: No agreement on Siachen

New Delhi (PTI) - India and Pakistan on Tuesday
failed to agree on the modalities for demilitarisation of
Siachen but decided to continue talks to arrive at a solution
to one of the major vexed issue.
While both sides being in principle agreement over
demilitarisation of the once world's highest battlefield,
India is insisting that Pakistan should authenticate present
troop position of the two sides.
At the end of the two-day Defence Secretary-level talks,
the two sides issued a joint statement saying the present
dialogue has "enhanced understanding" of each other's position
and they have agreed to continue the discussions in a
"meaningful and result-oriented manner".
The two sides, discussing the issue after a gap of three
years, presented their positions and suggestions to each other
towards resolution of Siachen issue, the statement said.
At the end of the meeting, Pakistani side handed over a
'non-paper' (an unofficial document) on Siachen which
contained its stated position on demilitarisation and other
related issues.
The Indian side said it would "study" it and discuss
with Pakistan when the both sides meet next time.
Sources said the mention of non-paper was made in the
joint statement following Pakistan's request.
"Both Sides welcomed the ongoing dialogue process. The
discussions were held in a frank and cordial atmosphere,.."
the joint statement said.
"They (the delegations from the two sides) also
acknowledged that the ceasefire was holding since November
2003. Both sides presented their positions and suggestions
towards resolution of Siachen (issue)," it said.