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Indo-Pak talks were not a failure, says PM

Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee has said it was not proper to describe the recent Indo-Pakistan talks as a failure, adding that except for Kashmir, Islamabad has agreed for bilateral talks on other issues.

''It's a positive sign,'' he said while talking to the media at the Indore airport.

Pointing out that holding talks was the only way out to find solutions to outstanding problems between India and Pakistan, Vajpayee said both the countries had fought three wars. ''There is no question of any third party mediation to solve these problems and negotiation is the only way out. India is ready to wait for this,'' he added.

Describing the talks between both the countries as a positive step, the prime minister said till now Pakistan was adamant on talking only of Kashmir but there is a change in its attitude and it has agreed to discuss other bilateral issues. ''It's not proper to say that there is no progress,'' he added.

The prime minister said India had stressed that the issues pertaining to trade, cultural relations and simplifying the procedures for passports and visas should be taken up first during the talks.

''We have proposed purchase of electricity from Pakistan for which a technical committee is ready to visit that country,'' he said Both the countries have also agreed to release the fishermen lodged in the jails. Besides, official level talks was going on for starting a Delhi-Lahore bus service, he added.

Replying to a question about the Indo-Pakistan border, Vajpayee said the matter had been discussed. ''This firing should stop,'' he added.

Asked about the Centre's stand in view of Pakistan's willingness to sign the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, the prime minister said talks were going on with the United States. He said the next round of talks would be held within a couple of days. ''Our stand will depend on the results of these talks,'' he added.

UNI

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