We don't need third party intervention,says Pranab

In a clear indication that it is against the appointment of an American special envoy for the sub-continent, India said on Tuesday that there was a bilateral mechanism to improve Indo-Pakistan ties and third party intervention would not make any difference.

Asked about US media reports that the incoming Obama administration may appoint former President Bill Clinton or some other person as special envoy, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee said that such news reports were speculative.

"In the preliminary interaction which we have had with our interlocutors (in the Obama transitional team) we have suggested to them ...we already have established a bilateral mechanism to improve relationship between India and Pakistan.

"We have also said that third party intervention is not going to make any substantial difference," Mukherjee said.

"I do not know whether the mandate is for something else. That is why we shall have to wait and see what is actual.  So many speculative news items are coming in," he added.