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Terrorism a common foe: Manmohan, Gilani

Special Correspondent

Both happy at resumption of trade

Beijing: Terrorism is the common enemy of both India and Pakistan, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his Pakistani counterpart, Yusuf Raza Gilani, told reporters after meeting each other on the sidelines of the ASEM summit here on Friday. The meeting was a one-on-one affair with no aides present. But the two leaders met the press briefly as they left the Great Hall of the People. “We expressed happiness at the resumption of trade” across the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir, Dr. Singh said. “We also discussed possibilities of increase trade between our two countries.”

Asked about the problem of terrorism, the Prime Minister said Mr. Gilani had assured him that Islamabad was seriously committed to working with New Delhi to control terror. “Terror is the common enemy of both India and Pakistan,” he added. Mr. Gilani described terrorism as a “menace” which his government condemned in all its manifestations. “There is only one stand on terrorism, it is dangerous for both countries ... We are poor countries, we can’t afford terrorism and therefore we should fight [it] jointly.” he said.

Indus Water Treaty

Asked about Islamabad’s apprehensions over India violating the terms of the Indus Water Treaty, Prime Minister Singh said, “The implementation of the Indus Water Treaty in letter and substance is a commitment which we take seriously.” He also said India would honour all of its commitments as far as the Baglihar project was concerned.

Delhi denies charge

Pakistan claims it has faced water losses of over 0.2 million cusecs due to the alleged reduction in the flow of the Chenab, thanks to water storage in the Baglihar Dam in Jammu and Kashmir. India denies the charge.

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