India, Pak Vow To Continue Dialogue Despite Differences

India and Pakistan yesterday failed to work out a mechanism to address outstanding bilateral issues, including Jammu and Kashmir, but vowed to continue their dialogue in a meaningful and purposeful manner.

It was felt that further consideration is required in giving concrete shape to the mechanism, a three-paragraph joint statement issued at the end of the third round of foreign secretary-level talks said.

Despite three days of hectic parleys, the negotiations got bogged down mainly on the nature of the framework to deal with the vexed Kashmir issue with the two countries unrelenting on their known positions, officials said.

Notwithstanding differences between New Delhi and Islamabad over the issues, the two foreign secretaries, K Raghunath and Shamshad Ahmad, pledged to sustain the dialogue saying they had decided to adjourn now and re-convene their meeting at a mutually convenient date.

Raghunath told reporters at the conclusion of the talks that we are clear in our mind that the serious dialogue should continue. while Ahmad said We hope to continue our discussions with the same spirit in which the leadership of the two countries have started this process of dialogue.

The two sides decided to expedite release of civilian detainees belonging to either country in line with the agreement arrived at between the two Prime Ministers, IK Gujral and Nawaz Sharif, during the Saarc summit in Male in may this year.