'Pakistan's Negative Approach'

Navtej Sarna: There is a brief statement on the Indo-Pak civil aviation links talks held in Islamabad.

An agreed press release was issued in Islamabad today at the end of two days of technical level discussionsbetween India and Pakistan on resumption of civil aviation links. An agreement could easily have been reached.It is regretted that this did not happen because of Pakistan’s negative approach and its attempts to bringin extraneous issues.

What is this agreed press release?

Navtej Sarna: There is an agreed press release issued in Islamabad by the technical teams together.

Which says what?

Which says that the technical level talks between Pakistan and India on resumption of civil aviation linkswere held on August 27-28, 2003 in Rawalpindi in a cordial and business like atmosphere. A range of issues wasdiscussed in detail. The talks provided an opportunity for the two sides to understand each other’srespective position. It was decided to continue the talks. New dates would be fixed after mutual consent.

You said Pakistan tried to bring in extraneous issues. What are these extraneous issues?

Well the details I have out of the talks, I have released to you.

Now that a new date has to be fixed means that this is going to be dragged on for a long time.

Well it says that new dates will be fixed after a mutual consent. The meeting has just ended today. Nowthey will have to discuss when to meet again.

Do you have any response to the latest situations in Nepal?

We have seen reports that the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoists) have declined to take part in furtherpeace talks with His Majesty’s Government of Nepal. We are also concerned at the growing number of clashesand violent incidents in various parts of Nepal, including attacks on political leaders. Any resumption ofarmed hostilities would be unfortunate and would constitute a set back to the efforts for peace and stabilityin Nepal, whose people have been victims of violence and insecurity for several years. Violence cannot providea solution to the problems Nepal is currently facing. Neither political nor economic progress can be achievedby resuming armed conflict. A meaningful and durable political solution based on national consensus andinvolving political parties has to be pursued by all concerned. India continues to believe that the principlesof multiparty democracy and constitutional monarchy are key for restoring stability in Nepal and a solution tothe difficulties facing Nepal needs to be found within this framework.

There is a report that Pakistan has released an Indian boy (Ranjit Kumar). Can you confirm this?

Yes, we have been informed that the boy you are referring to Ranjit Kumar is to be released on August 30that the Wagah border. He will be handed over by the Pakistani Rangers to the Border Security Forces.

Would you like to comment on the Washington Post report that Iran’s Nuclear programme was assistedby Pakistan?

I would not like to comment on this particular report, but Pakistan’s record as an inward and outwardproliferator is well known.

Now that talks on North Korea is taking place amongst six nations. What is going to be the impact of thison the International scenario?

I think that’s a very wide question for this limited briefing.