Bilateral and multilateral talks are normally held for building relationship on areas of mutual interest or strengthening the relationship. As such, no mutuality of interest exists in any area between India and Pakistan. It is true that after every high-profile dialogue, statements will be issued by both sides that talks were fruitful, a breakthrough has been reached and that we are moving forward, etc. However, history will prove otherwise. The need of the hour is firm action. By issuing a statement that too before the departure of the visiting dignitary and finding fault with him and India, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has violated diplomatic ethics. How long will we remain at the receiving end?
E. Krishnan,
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The credibility of the political establishment of Pakistan must be examined before going for a composite dialogue. Though the country is now ruled by an elected government, it is a well-known fact that power lies at the army headquarters or with the ISI. Knowing this, during her last visit to Pakistan, U.S. Secretary of State had longer meetings with the armed forces' authorities than with the political authorities of Pakistan.
The Foreign Minister cannot act against the 26/11 perpetrators, or stop cross-border terrorism and infiltration even if he wants without the approval of the armed forces or the ISI. This was evident when the ISI chief cancelled his visit to India after 26/11 as promised by Pakistan. The so-called sustained composite dialogue will become sustained exchange of allegations as seen in the joint press conference of the two foreign ministers.
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Shisir Das,
Kolkatta