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India, Pakistan Begin Kashmir Peace Talks
EFL to just the new event. Nuclear-armed neighbors India and Pakistan cited optimism and a "new momentum" in their peace talks that run through Wednesday, aimed at setting a timetable to resolve decades of conflict over Kashmir, terrorism and other issues. As the two countries back down from the brink of their fourth war in 2002, the three-day talks - their first such meetings in 2 1/2 years - are to lay the groundwork for ending a half-century of tension since their 1947 partition. "There is realization in India and Pakistan that war is not an option, that you have to look at ways to find a peaceful resolution of the outstanding disputes between the two countries," Pakistani spokesman Masood Khan said Monday after a meeting between Foreign Ministry officials of the two countries. "Thereâs new momentum; this momentum must be maintained," he said. At least til the next Kashmir boom. The two sides discussed dates for future talks, and a formal timetable was expected to be decided during meetings Tuesday and Wednesday. The future talks are to address eight issues, including Kashmir, confidence-building measures in the nuclear field, terrorism and drugs, economic cooperation and a river dispute. "I am quite optimistic over the outcome of this round of talks," Yashwant Sinha, the Indian foreign minister, said in New Delhi. At least til the next Kashmir boom. Jalil Abbas Jilani, a director-general in Pakistanâs Foreign Ministry, and Arun Kumar Singh, a joint secretary in Indiaâs External Affairs Ministry, shook hands and smiled before the start of the Monday meeting. The talks run through Wednesday, culminating in a face-to-face between the countriesâ foreign secretaries. At least til the next Kashmir boom. Posted by: Steve White 2004-02-17 |
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