Type: Parliament Questions and Answers

SHRIMATI SMIRTI ZUBIN IRANI

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to satate :-

(a) whether it is a fact that India-Pakistan Foreign Secretary level talks were held recently in New Delhi;

(b) if so, the details of the issues discussed during the meeting;

(c) whether the issue of Pakistan’s role in 26/11 attack on Mumbai was also discussed; and

(d) if so, the reaction of Pakistan thereon?

ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI E. AHAMED)

(a) to (d) The Foreign Secretary level talks between India and Pakistan on Peace and Security, including Confidence Building Measures (CBMs), Jammu & Kashmir and Promotion of Friendly Exchanges were held in New Delhi on July 4-5, 2012.

The issue of Peace and Security, including CBMs, was discussed in a comprehensive manner. The Foreign Secretaries reviewed the ongoing implementation of the already adopted Nuclear and Conventional CBMs. It was decided that separate meetings of the Expert Level Groups on Nuclear and Conventional CBMs will be held to discuss implementation and strengthening of the existing CBMs and suggest additional mutually acceptable steps that could build greater trust and confidence between the two countries, thereby contributing to peace and security.

The Foreign Secretaries discussed the issue of terrorism which poses a continuing threat to peace and security. On the Mumbai terror attacks, the need for Pakistan to take credible and effective action to fulfil its stated commitments to bring the perpetrators of the Mumbai terrorist attacks to justice was conveyed. It was also underscored that the arrest and the ongoing interrogation of Abu Jundal has now added urgency to the matter. Pakistan stated its commitment to fight terrorism and to bring to justice those responsible for the Mumbai attacks.

The two sides had an exchange of views on the issue of Jammu & Kashmir and agreed to continue discussions in a purposeful and forward looking manner with the view to finding a peaceful solution by narrowing divergences and building convergences. Both sides recognized the need to strengthen the existing Cross-LoC CBMs for streamlining the arrangements to facilitate travel and trade across LOC. They decided to convene a meeting of the Working Group on Cross-LoC CBMs on July 19, 2012 in Islamabad.

The Foreign Secretaries underlined the importance of greater people to people contacts and friendly exchanges in building a relationship of trust and friendship between the two countries.
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Pakistan
South Asia