Taking further its peace initiative, India on Tuesday suggested to Pakistan early convening of technical level discussions for resumption of civil aviation links on a reciprocal basis.
India also indicated that its new High Commissioner Shiv Shanker Menon is expected to take over in Islamabad around mid-July. Menon, who is at present India's Ambassador to China, is likely to move to Islamabad in about three weeks.
The announcement for the proposed talks on civilian flights was made by an External Affairs Ministry spokesperson following progress on the implementation of several measures initiated by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, including appointment of high commissioners and resumption of the Delhi-Lahore bus service.
The discussion on aviation links would be held on mutually agreed dates as soon as Pakistan confirmed its readiness to hold the technical-level meeting, informed sources said.
Discussions on restoration of civil aviation links could not proceed since Pakistan had indicated that the question of overflights could be addressed when technical level discussions took place for restoration of civil aviation links.