India, Pak to release joint statement

India, Pak to release joint statement

Monday, April 18, 2005 (New Delhi):

Diplomats and other senior officials from India and Pakistan spent Sunday night sorting out differences in the joint statement to be issued this morning.

Talks between the Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh lasted for over two hours last evening.

India has assured Pakistan that it is sincere on resolving the Kashmir dispute. But both sides have agreed that there can be no time frame for this.

Pakistan also feels that there is no overnight solution on the Kashmir issue.

The two countries have agreed to intensify talks for demilitarisation of Siachen. A common ground has also been found on boosting travel, trade and business ties.

Musharraf and Singh also talked about energy sources including the proposed oil pipeline from Iran through the Pakistani territory.

On Baglihar, Pakistan has expressed its concern that water may be used as a weapon. In return, the Indian Prime Minister has assured Pakistan that the Indus Water Treaty will not be violated.