Chandigarh: India and Pakistan have agreed to continue their dialogue to seek a peaceful settlement to end the border tension in the area. According to an agreement both sides would meet in New, Delhi in late March or early April to resolve the issue and work towards easing tension and create an atmosphere conductive to normalization of the relations between the two countries, The agreement was reached at Rawalpindi at the end of two days of discussions between the defense secretaries of the two countries.
According to a joint statement issued at Rawalpindi, the talks were held in pursuance of the agreement reached between Pakistan President Mr. Zia-ul-Haq and Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on December 17th. The respective Delegations were led by Pakistan defense Secretary Islampur Haidar Zaidi and his Indian counterpart S.K. Bhatnagar. According to agreement the two defense Secretaries had cordial and frank discussions and explained their respective positions. These discuss ions abled both sides to achieve a better appreciation of each other’s point of view. The secretaries also reiterated their respective government’s determination to seek a peaceful and negotiated settlement of the problem. Mr. Bhatnagar extended an invitation to Mr. Zaidi to visit India in late March or April this year to continue the dialogue. The invitation was accepted with pleasure. The foreign secretary of India Mr. Ramesh Bhandari will pay a five day visit to Pakistan from January 16 for bilateral talks.
His visit followed those of finance minister Mr. V.P. Singh and the defense Secretary Mr. S.K. Bhatnagar during the last one week. Mr. Bhandaris talks with the Pakistan foreign secretary Mr. Niaz Malik and others helped to improve the relations.
Article extracted from this publication >> January 17, 1986
