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Text of India-Pakistan joint statement
September 15, 2005

Following is the text of the India-Pakistan joint statement issued at the end of the meeting between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf in New York on September 14:

"Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf met in New York on September 14 and reviewed progress in their relations since they last met in New Delhi on April 18, 2005.

"The two leaders referred to their earlier statements of January 6, 2004 and April 18, 2005 and reiterated their pledge not to allow terrorism to impede the peace process. They reaffirmed their commitment to the decision taken at their meeting in New Delhi and agreed to expedite their implementation.

"They also welcomed the progress made within the framework of the Composite Dialogue, including promotion of trade and economic relations, people to people contacts and confidence building measures. They also welcomed the recent release of prisoners on both sides and agreed to continue this process on a humanitarian basis.

"They expressed their commitment to ensure a peaceful settlement of all pending issues including Jammu and Kashmir to the satisfaction of both sides. They agreed that possible options for a peacefully negotiated settlement should continue to be pursued in a sincere spirit and a purposeful manner."

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