Will not allow terror to affect peace process: Pak

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Tuesday asserted that terrorists will never be allowed to impede the peace process with India, as both nations recognised the importance of talks.

In an effort to take the peace process forward, Foreign Minister S M Krishna will travel to Islamabad and hold talks with Qureshi on July 15.

Addressing a press conference in Islamabad after holding a telephonic conversation with his Indian counterpart, Qureshi said, "Both countries have agreed that talks are always useful and we will like to build on it."

Talking about the growing threat of terrorism in both countries, Qureshi said, "Earlier, the terrorists tore through the peace process; but we will not allow them to impede the process again."

Responding to a question on whether the talks indicated the resumption of the composite dialogue between the two countries, which was stalled after the terror attack on Mumbai in November 2008, he replied, "All issues and segments are on the table. I see a comprehensive approach that will cover all issues. We will discuss all issues; there is no bar on bringing up any issue of mutual concern."

Talking about the water dispute, he acknowledged, "It is a serious problem. The water issue has to be addressed seriously. We have a mechanism that is accepted by both countries and it is the Indus Water Treaty."

He added, "New elements of concern will also be discussed, while we will like to discuss confidence building measures on Kashmir."