NEWS

Pakistan may open airspace to Indian flights

By K J M Varma in Islamabad
April 30, 2003 22:56 IST

Following up on Pakistan Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali's telephone conversation with his Indian counterpart Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Islamabad plans to announce a package of confidence building measures (CBMs), which include reopening of its airspace to Indian flights, official sources in Islamabad said.

The proposed CBMs may include appointment of a new high commissioner to head the diplomatic mission in New Delhi, dates for a SAARC summit and liberalisation of the visa regime, they said.

In Karachi, Jamali told reporters he was not worried by reported assertions by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party that Vajpayee has rejected the invitation.

To persistent questions on reports Vajpayee had second thoughts about his peace initiative, Jamali said, "Don't be impatient. Give us some time and I am sure things will move forward."

"I had talked to Vajpayee and am encouraged by my conversation. This contact was possible after 18 months. So please wait and give us some time."

Replying to a question, he said Vajpayee did not attach any condition when invited to visit Pakistan during their telephonic talk two days ago.

Asked who was responsible for the outcome of the Agra Summit, Jamali said leaders of both the countries were responsible.

To a question whether there was any change in the policy of his government on the Kashmir issue, he said, "Policies do not change with governments. Major policies of the countries do not change frequently. Our policy on Kashmir is the same as has been during the last three years or for the past 50 years," he said.

K J M Varma in Islamabad
Source: PTI
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