Two SAARC member-nations urged India and Pakistan to put their differences behind them to forge a better future for the region.
While the Maldives was direct in its request, driven by its desperation over the lack of progress on many items on the SAARC agenda, Afghanistan assured Pakistan that its relationship with India would not threaten its most influential neighbour in any manner.
Speaking at the inaugural of the SAARC summit, the outspoken Maldivian President, Mohamed Nasheed, said: “In February, India and Pakistan agreed to restart peace talks on all issues. In May, Indian parliamentarians visited Islamabad to advance the cause of peace. In July, [Pakistani] Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar visited New Delhi. A month later, MPs from both countries met in India to continue deliberations. In September, Pakistani and Indian railway officials met to help boost connectivity and trade. And in the past few days, Pakistan improved trade links by deciding to grant India the status of Most Favoured Nation. Today, the Pakistani and Indian Prime Ministers met in the lovely setting of the Shangri La in the Maldives.”
“These developments are extremely welcome. I hope all political parties in India and Pakistan applaud these encouraging moves. I hope this summit will be enthused with optimism. And I hope both countries can work to resolve their core issues,” he said.
Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa did not make a direct reference, but wanted the SAARC “to draw upon the collective strength of this organisation to serve our peoples with the commitment and dedication they deserve.” “What is evident around us is a mood of urgency and even impatience. This is especially so, because a large and influential part of our societies consists of young people, inspired by new ideas and looking forward with enthusiasm to a promising future for themselves. They cannot be kept waiting for long. Patience is not infinite.”
Meant for peace: Karzai
Afghan President Hamid Karzai said his country's strategic partnership with India, and talks for a similar one with the United States would not threaten Pakistan; they were intended to promote peace. “I wish to reassure our neighbours… that none of our partnerships we forge now or in the future shall pose a threat to our neighbours or to our region.”
