August 29, 2003	Friday	Jumadi-us-Sani 30, 1424

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ISLAMABAD, Aug 28: Talks between Pakistan and India on the resumption of air links remained inconclusive in the final round on Thursday as the Indian side declined to sign a joint declaration proposed by Pakistan side to safeguard against unilateral suspension of air links.

Despite official pronouncements about the discussions being held in a “cordial and constructive atmosphere” the two-day talks in Rawalpindi yielded no positive results.

An eight-liner joint Press statement issued at the end of the talks said the technical level talks were held in a “cordial and business like atmosphere” and a range of issues was discussed in detail.

“The talks provided an opportunity to the two sides to understand each other’s respective positions,” the statement said.

The technical talks on the second day did not go beyond two hours and no discussion on the technical aspects could take place as the Indian side at the very outset declared it did not have the mandate to give guarantees, informed sources said.

The talks had to be wrapped up after the Indian side refused to incorporate a clause in the joint declaration that no party would disrupt the air links unilaterally in future.

The Pakistan side had argued that its demand was reasonable given that it would apply to both the parties and it should not be seen as a concession merely to Pakistan. However, the Indian delegation headed by Mr Satendra Singh, Director-General of Civil Aviation, India, maintained that it was not in a position to give such a commitment, the sources said.

Islamabad’s position on resumption of air links had already been conveyed to the Indian government by Pakistan’s High Commissioner to New Delhi Mr Aziz Ahmed Khan. He mentioned it to Indian Foreign Minister Yashwant Sinha when he met him.

As both the sides were unable to bridge differences they decided to meet again.

“It was decided to continue the talks. New dates would be announced after mutual consultations,” said an official statement.

When Dawn contacted Foreign Office spokesman Masood Khan for his comments on the outcome of the talks, he sounded optimistic. “It is a process and will continue,” he said, adding it was a beginning and there would be further discussions on the issue.

Now the ball is in the Indian court with Pakistan having clearly stated its position on the issue. As per the standard diplomatic practice it would be India’s turn to propose and host the next round of talks.

There is no indication of the likely dates yet.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s position remains that it will not resume air links with India unless the latter agrees to sign a bilateral undertaking safeguarding against unilateral withdrawal of the service.

The revenue losses to India because of air service disruption are far more than Pakistan’s. While the disruption affects Pakistan’s 13 flights, it hits 113 Indian flights. According to one estimate India is incurring a loss of $200 million per year.