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| 20 June 2004 | Sunday | 01 Jamadi-ul-Awwal 1425 |
CBMs talks on nuclear issues show progress
NEW DELHI, June 19: India and Pakistan reported good progress in their nuclear confidence building measures (CBMs) talks on Saturday, saying the discussions on the first day were result-oriented and positive.
An interim joint statement at the end of the first day's discussions said: "The talks were held in a cordial and constructive atmosphere. Both sides approached the talks in a positive framework, aimed at taking the process forward, and making them result-oriented."
The statement further said that the two delegations identified areas of convergence, "including in the context of multilateral fora".
Sources close to the talks said the reference was about international pressure groups against proliferation where both countries were targeted for their respective nuclear policies. One such forum where both countries could coordinate their response was the US-backed Proliferation Security Initiative.
The two sides also exchanged views on their respective security concepts and nuclear doctrines, and agreed to elaborate and work towards CBMs," the statement said. Pakistani officials described this as a key issue where progress was possible.
They also expected to discuss the establishment of a hotline to prevent any sudden nuclear escalation.
Some nuclear CBMs agreed in February 1999, such as the requirement for each country to notify their proposed missile tests were already working nicely and had to be only formalized, officials said. Asked if the communication between the two DGMOs would be beefed up as part of the proposed CBMs, a Pakistani official said there would be additional measures proposed along with that. He declined to give details.
Both sides declined to comment on reports of a meeting alleged to have taken place in Amritsar ahead of the talks between the national security advisers of the two countries.
The Pakistani delegation led by Foreign Ministry official Tariq Osman Hyder, called on Indian Foreign Minister Kunwar Natwar Singh. They described the meeting as friendly and forward- looking.
They also met Indian National Security Adviser Jyotindra Nath Dixit and Foreign Secretary Shashank.
The burden of the nuclear CBMs talks leans on the MoU on the subject agreed between the two sides in February 1999. A joint statement is expected on Sunday after the conclusion of the talks.
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