Islamabad has accepted the Indian offer for foreign secretary-level talks, probably on February 25, despite New Delhi’s reluctance to revive the multi-track composite dialogue suspended after 26/11.
Islamabad has accepted the Indian offer for foreign secretary-level talks, probably on February 25, despite New Delhi’s reluctance to revive the multi-track composite dialogue suspended after 26/11.
India had proposed February 18 or 25. According to Pakistan’s leading English newspaper Dawn, the country’s political leadership believes Islamabad should not decline the Indian offer and engagement should resume at the earliest.
In a TV interview, PM Yousuf Raza Gilani hinted at a positive response, saying, “Politicians make bridges, not walls.”
Sources said Gilani’s views followed an inter-agency meeting at the foreign office which recommended that the invitation be accepted. It suggested that talks should start even if India does not immediately agree to composite dialogue.
It also agreed that Pakistan should agree to an unconditional engagement in which all issues are discussed.
The meeting noted “with an open and positive mind” India’s desire
to approach the discussions. But a final decision was left to the political leadership.
India will go in for the fresh engagement with its eyes wide open and aware that it is taking a calculated risk.
The date for the talks will be finalised once Pakistan high commissioner Shahid Malik returns to Delhi after consultations in Islamabad.
New Delhi may be under pressure from the international community, but Pakistan will be as much under fire if it refused to accept India’s offer. The fact that Islamabad changed its tune on the day US national security adviser James Jones was in Pakistan is a pointer.
When Nirupama Rao and her counterpart Salman Bashir talk later this month, all issues, including terrorism, Kashmir and water, will be on the table. Sources said much would depend on how the first meeting goes and whether Pakistan is ready to take India’s concerns on board.
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