The Hindu : A welcome development: Kasuri

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Jul 11, 2003

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A welcome development: Kasuri

By B. Muralidhar Reddy

ISLAMABAD July 10. Pleased with the decision of the SAARC Standing Committee of Foreign Secretaries in Kathmandu to hold the SAARC summit here from January 4 to 6 next year, the Pakistan Foreign Minister, Khurshid Mehmood Kasuri, expressed the hope that the event could pave the way for a "composite dialogue" between India and Pakistan.

Mr. Kasuri said the presence of all heads of the seven states in general and the Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee, at the summit would contribute a great deal in reducing tensions in the region. "It is a very welcome development."

Mr. Kasuri said that though the SAARC charter did not provide scope for raising or discussing political or bilateral issues, the summit would provide an opportunity for the heads of the governments for bilateral meetings on the sidelines.

Mr. Kasuri said the international community was in favour of resumption of the stalled negotiations between Islamabad and New Delhi and Pakistan was ready for talks.

Mr. Kasuri's comments suggest that Pakistan is relieved that India did not come in the way of holding of the summit.

There were concerns here about it particularly given the slow pace at which the Vajpayee peace initiative was progressing.

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