Sir Creek dialogue likely on schedule

Published August 14, 2006

ISLAMABAD, Aug 13: There are strong indications from the foreign ministry officials of Pakistan and India that despite the postponement of the secretary-level meeting they may go ahead with the talks on the Sir Creek boundary dispute this month.

At the last round of talks in New Delhi on May 26 the two sides had agreed to conduct a joint survey of the Sir Creek area between November 2006 and March 2007. It was also decided that technical experts would meet in August to discuss the extent and modalities for the joint survey.

Officials dealing with South Asia at the Foreign Ministry told Dawn on Sunday that as far as Pakistan was concerned it would go ahead with it as it was committed to talks on all issues agreed on by the two sides.

PTI on Sunday quoted an official of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs as saying that there would be no impact on the technical-level talks between the two countries.

The dates for the meeting to be hosted by Pakistan are expected to be finalised through the diplomatic channels soon. The Foreign Office will shortly touch base with the defence ministry in this regard, an official said.