LDALL INDO-PAK 2

Rao asserted that the orientation of the re-engagement
between the two countries was to look at the reasons why there
was a trust deficit and how it can be bridged.
Rao noted that Pakistan Prime Minister Yusuf Raza
Gilani had assured his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh in
Thimphu in April that Pakistan will not allow its soil to be
used for terrorist activities against India.
"We believe that it is an important commitment and
what we also believe is that we should jointly work together
towards our goal of resolution of outstanding issues," she
said.
After his meeting with Rao to prepare the ground for
the meeting of the Foreign Ministers in July, Bashir said he
felt "much more optimistic" about a good outcome at the talks.
He said the two countries should "work towards
restoring confidence and building trust with a view to make it
possible to have comprehensive, sustained and substantial
dialogue".
"The meeting was marked with a great deal of
cordiality, sincerity and earnestness. The dialogue was very
constructive...We have been able to review comprehensively the
state of our bilateral relations. All issues of concern and
interests were touched upon," Bashir said.
Rao said the discussions were not merely "exploratory"
as the two sides tried to "understand each other's position".
She said both countries must "deny the terrorist elements any
opportunity to derail the peace process."
Rao and Bashir also brushed aside a question on the
nomenclature for the ongoing engagement and said the two sides
should focus on "serious, sustained and comprehensive" talks
instead of issues like a roadmap.
Both Foreign Secretaries noted that Indian Home
Minister P Chidambaram and his Pakistani counterpart Rehman
Malik would discuss terrorism on the sidelines of a SAARC
Interior Ministers meeting on June 26 and hoped that it will
help in strengthening and solidifying efforts to address the
menace. (More) PTI RHL
RDM


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