TORONTO, 8 July — Canadian Minister for Foreign Affairs John Manley and Secretary of State (Asia-Pacific) Dr. Ray Pagtakhan on Friday welcomed the decision by India and Pakistan to begin discussions aimed at resolving long-standing disputes in the region, including the settlement of Kashmir dispute.
“Canada welcomes efforts by both parties to defuse tension and to resolve bilateral disputes peacefully,” said Manley in a statement issued by Canadian Foreign office in Ottawa yesterday. “The decision by the Prime Minister of India Atal Behari Vajpayee, and Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf, to meet, is an important step in the right direction. Canada urges both countries to move forward with the dialogue in a spirit of cooperation and goodwill.”
The two leaders are scheduled to hold talks when Musharraf visits India from July 14 to 16. “The recent détente between India and Pakistan is very encouraging,” said Pagtakhan adding: “Canada welcomes the fact that both countries are willing to engage in dialogue on difficult issues. We also commend both sides for continuing to show restraint along the line of control (LoC) on Kashmir border.”
