ISLAMABAD, 20 July 2006 — Pakistan is committed to carry forward the peace process with India, which is in the interest of the people of South Asia, said Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri in an interview with Arab News here yesterday.
Commenting on the statement of Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh that Bombay blasts had hit the Indo-Pakistan peace process but not halted it, Kasuri said, “Time and again we have been asking the Indian government to cooperate with us in fighting terrorism. Any move by New Delhi to delay talks will benefit the terrorist organizations operating both in India and Pakistan.”
He said the statement by the Indian prime minister showed his statesmanship and political acumen as he did not hold Pakistan specifically responsible for the brutal acts.
He said Pakistan had not only condemned the Bombay blasts soon after the incident but also offered all possible cooperation in tracking down the perpetrators of the heinous acts.
“The world community has highly appreciated Pakistan’s role in crushing terrorists,” Kasuri said adding, “Recently the US State Department issued a statement asking India to continue the peace process with Pakistan as it is in the greater interest of South Asia.”
Responding to another question Kasuri said, “We are waiting for the Indian side to announce the new schedule for talks within the framework of composite dialogue.”
Kasuri said the G-8 summit expressed concern over the situation in South Asia. He said, “We had almost removed mistrust before the tragic Bombay blasts.”
The foreign minister said it was now essential for India and Pakistan to keep talking and further cement confidence-building measures (CBMs).
Meanwhile, President Gen. Pervez Musharraf will address the nation today. The president, in his speech to be broadcast by the state-run radio and television, is likely to focus on Indo-Pak relations, regional situation and the Middle East crisis.
Political observers say the president might make some important political announcements.
