ASSEMBLY POLL '98
COMMENTARY
SPECIALS
INTERVIEWS
CAPITAL BUZZ
REDIFF POLL
DEAR REDIFF
THE STATES
YEH HAI INDIA!
ELECTIONS '98
ARCHIVES

Pakistan to discuss Kashmir with Talbott

United States Deputy Secretary of State Strobe Talbott held talks with Pakistani foreign ministry officials in Islamabad today on nuclear non-proliferation and security issues.

Foreign Secretary Shamshad Ahmad, who led the Pakistani side, said the agenda for the eighth round of talks with the American officials would also cover "far deeper issues of peace and security, at the heart of which lies Kashmir".

Talbott arrived in Pakistan after similar talks in India, where he reportedly advised restraint and co-operation in non-proliferation efforts.

Both countries have committed to adhere to the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty by September 1999, but are at odds over the minimum nuclear deterrent they need.

On the eve of the talks with Talbott, Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharief discussed with his civil and military advisers the regional situation, indicating that Afghanistan would also figure in the talks.

Washington has been asking Pakistan to use its influence with the Islamic Taliban militia ruling Afghanistan to hand over its 'guest', Osama bin Laden, who is wanted by the US for allegedly ordering terrorist attacks on American missions in Africa.

DPA

Tell us what you think of this report