In a major breakthrough India and Pakistan in a significant meeting at Havana, on the sidelines of the Non-Aligned Summit, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf decided to put in place an institutional mechanism to counter terrorism. It is a historic opportunity for India and Pakistan to solve this crucial issue of Terrorism and crush its terror network after agreeing on the establishment of a Anti -Terrorism Institutional Network.
At the end of the one-on-one talks without aides which were described as "cordial, frank and detailed". Both the countries agreed on this anti-terrorism institutional mechanism to identify and implement counter-terrorism initiatives and investigations, this was declared in the joint statement read out by Dr. Singh along with General Musharraf at a media press conference.
The statement strongly condemned the Mumbai and the Maligaon bomb blasts and issued a strong statement against Terrorism by declaring " Both the countries strongly condemned all acts of terrorism and agreed that terrorism is a scourge that needs to be effectively dealt with."
Such a direct and candid admission by Pakistan that Trans-border terror networks should not only be identified but also needs to be crushed with heavy hand is a direct admission by Pakistan that all is not well within its territory and the terror networks which operates from across the border against India has to be crushed jointly. This is a significant development as for the first time Pakistan has accepted that for solving all the issues of concern with India it has to do much more on the area of Terrorism and to do this it needs the helping hand of India.
Further it was also agreed upon for the immediate resumption of the composite dialogue between the Foreign Secretaries "at the earliest". With a direct acknowledge that the peace process must be maintained and its success was not only important for both the countries by also for a bright and prosperous future of the entire South Asian Region.
Under the Press Statement issued both the leaders reiterated their commitments and determination to implement the Joint Statements of January 6, 2004, September 24, 2004, April 18, 2005 and September 14, 2005 which was signed between India and Pakistan then. The commitment given by the honorable President of Pakistan in the joint statement issued of honoring the earlier joint statements of 2004 and 2005 shows that Pakistan has accepted these to be international agreements against terror which needs to be honored upon
On Jammu and Kashmir it was decided by both the countries to continue the "joint search for mutually acceptable options for a peaceful negotiated settlement of all issues between India and Pakistan, including the issue of Jammu and Kashmir, in a sincere and purposeful manner." Referring to the "useful discussions" on Jammu and Kashmir, the joint statement went on to say "there is a need to build on convergence's and narrow down divergences." This is again a very significant and healthy development as for the first time Pakistan has accepted that Jammu and Kashmir is not "The Issue" or "The Core Issue" but one of the very important issue which not only needs urgent attention but also needs to be solved taking into account each others concerns and sentiments. This is a U-turn by Pakistan from its earlier stated position of Kashmir being the core issue.
In his address to the NAM Summit on Sept 15th 2006, Gen. Musharraf said in relation to India and Pakistan's bilateral issues, "A historic opportunity exists that must be seized by the leadership of the two countries to bring to a close the chapter of tensions and conflict in our region.. It is of paramount importance that we devote all energies to address the major challenges of our region by ensuring poverty alleviation, universal education, better health and higher standards of living for our people. Three years of peace process between India and Pakistan had led to confidence building and improved environment in bilateral relations. Pakistan is making sincere efforts to promote peace and cooperation in South Asia.. We are determined to pursue the peace process to resolve all outstanding issues with India, including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute." Dr. Singh also accepted Gen. Musharraf's renewed invitation to visit Pakistan at a time to be fixed later.
Through the press statement the two leaders directed the Foreign Secretaries on the following: The Foreign Secretaries should meet shortly in New Delhi to continue the composite dialogue. To arrange consultations for early solution of the Siachen issue. "Experts should meet immediately to agree on coordinates for joint survey of Sir Creek and adjoining area, without prejudice to each other's position on the issue". The Survey should commence in November 2006. "The experts would start discussions on the maritime boundary". "The two sides will facilitate implementation of agreements and understandings already reached on LoC-related CBMs, including bus services, crossing points and truck service".
Direct acknowledgement by Pakistan on the coordinates of a joint survey of the Sir Creek areas taking into account each countries position on the issue is significant again as for the first time Pakistan has accepted to take into account the Indian position on the Sir Creek issue
The carefully formulated joint statement that was worked out after hours of discussions among the members of the delegation, including the National Security Adviser M. K. Narayanan and the Foreign Secretary-designate Shivshankar Menon from the Indian side. Pakistan's Secretary of the National Security Council Tariq Aziz, Foreign Minister Kasuri and Foreign Secretary Riaz Khan was there from the Pakistani side.
When asked by the Indian media whether the new agreement represented a breakthrough, Gen. Musharraf said, "Yes, it is very good." He was quite happy over the outcome. He however refused to be drawn into a detailed discussion, pointing out that he had committed himself to not saying anything more than what the statement said, lest it should hamper the dialogue process.
Before the one to one meeting of the two leaders, both the sides were accompanied by their delegations for a brief interaction. The Indian delegation included Mr. Narayanan, Minister of State for External Affairs Anand Sharma, Mr. Shivshankar Menon and Media Adviser to the Prime Minister Sanjaya Baru. The Pakistani side included Mr. Kasuri, Mr. Riaz Khan, and Minister of State Sumaira Malik.
Indian officials later expressed satisfaction over the outcome of the meeting, noting that " All the major issues, including the formulation on terrorism were being negotiated till the very last. The reference to terrorism and the constitution of a joint mechanism to counter it were in tune with the Prime Minister's stand that he can carry Indian public opinion with him only if there were credible assurances on terrorism". At the same time, the resumption of the Foreign Secretary-level dialogue, addressing the issues of Jammu and Kashmir, Siachen and Sir Creek satisfied the Pakistani side.
Earlier President of Pakistan General Musharraf called upon NAM Members to focus on just and equitable solutions to international conflicts and disputes by establishing a mechanism for the purpose. He urged NAM to promote a comprehensive strategy to combat terrorism."NAM should promote a comprehensive strategy to combat and eliminate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. It should require a two-pronged approach: first combating terrorist sanctuaries, including through active international cooperation, [and] secondly addressing the underlined cause of terrorism and extremism, which includes political disputes and conflicts, economic and social injustices".
In his address to the NAM Summit Dr Singh said: ``If NAM is to be relevant in today's circumstances, it cannot afford to equivocate on the subject of terrorism. A message must emanate from us that we are united in our desire to fight and eliminate the scourge of terrorism,'' He further said: "The forces of intolerance and extremism could not be allowed to distract the world's attention from the vital concerns such as poverty, ignorance and disease".
What has been the most significant outcome of the NAM Summit has been the sidelines meeting between India and Pakistan just after the serial bomb blasts and terror attacks in various parts of India in which many innocent lives were lost. This had vitiated the Indo-Pak atmosphere and it was very important to carry forward the Peace dialog process ahead at the earliest. Nothing was more better then the significant meetings between the two heads of states and for the first time Pakistan has taken significant and bold stand on the various issues which can be termed as watershed in Indo-Pak diplomacy. India on her part has also shown flexibility on the various issues including Kashmir. If things go ahead in the right direction from now on it can be a turning point in Indo-Pak history. One can hope for a new dawn in South Asia .A dawn of peace and prosperity for the whole region.
Dr SUVROKAMAL DUTTA
(The Writer is a renowned Foreign Affairs and Economic Expert)
Contact : sk_dutta70@yahoo.com
At the end of the one-on-one talks without aides which were described as "cordial, frank and detailed". Both the countries agreed on this anti-terrorism institutional mechanism to identify and implement counter-terrorism initiatives and investigations, this was declared in the joint statement read out by Dr. Singh along with General Musharraf at a media press conference.
The statement strongly condemned the Mumbai and the Maligaon bomb blasts and issued a strong statement against Terrorism by declaring " Both the countries strongly condemned all acts of terrorism and agreed that terrorism is a scourge that needs to be effectively dealt with."
Such a direct and candid admission by Pakistan that Trans-border terror networks should not only be identified but also needs to be crushed with heavy hand is a direct admission by Pakistan that all is not well within its territory and the terror networks which operates from across the border against India has to be crushed jointly. This is a significant development as for the first time Pakistan has accepted that for solving all the issues of concern with India it has to do much more on the area of Terrorism and to do this it needs the helping hand of India.
Further it was also agreed upon for the immediate resumption of the composite dialogue between the Foreign Secretaries "at the earliest". With a direct acknowledge that the peace process must be maintained and its success was not only important for both the countries by also for a bright and prosperous future of the entire South Asian Region.
Under the Press Statement issued both the leaders reiterated their commitments and determination to implement the Joint Statements of January 6, 2004, September 24, 2004, April 18, 2005 and September 14, 2005 which was signed between India and Pakistan then. The commitment given by the honorable President of Pakistan in the joint statement issued of honoring the earlier joint statements of 2004 and 2005 shows that Pakistan has accepted these to be international agreements against terror which needs to be honored upon
On Jammu and Kashmir it was decided by both the countries to continue the "joint search for mutually acceptable options for a peaceful negotiated settlement of all issues between India and Pakistan, including the issue of Jammu and Kashmir, in a sincere and purposeful manner." Referring to the "useful discussions" on Jammu and Kashmir, the joint statement went on to say "there is a need to build on convergence's and narrow down divergences." This is again a very significant and healthy development as for the first time Pakistan has accepted that Jammu and Kashmir is not "The Issue" or "The Core Issue" but one of the very important issue which not only needs urgent attention but also needs to be solved taking into account each others concerns and sentiments. This is a U-turn by Pakistan from its earlier stated position of Kashmir being the core issue.
In his address to the NAM Summit on Sept 15th 2006, Gen. Musharraf said in relation to India and Pakistan's bilateral issues, "A historic opportunity exists that must be seized by the leadership of the two countries to bring to a close the chapter of tensions and conflict in our region.. It is of paramount importance that we devote all energies to address the major challenges of our region by ensuring poverty alleviation, universal education, better health and higher standards of living for our people. Three years of peace process between India and Pakistan had led to confidence building and improved environment in bilateral relations. Pakistan is making sincere efforts to promote peace and cooperation in South Asia.. We are determined to pursue the peace process to resolve all outstanding issues with India, including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute." Dr. Singh also accepted Gen. Musharraf's renewed invitation to visit Pakistan at a time to be fixed later.
Through the press statement the two leaders directed the Foreign Secretaries on the following: The Foreign Secretaries should meet shortly in New Delhi to continue the composite dialogue. To arrange consultations for early solution of the Siachen issue. "Experts should meet immediately to agree on coordinates for joint survey of Sir Creek and adjoining area, without prejudice to each other's position on the issue". The Survey should commence in November 2006. "The experts would start discussions on the maritime boundary". "The two sides will facilitate implementation of agreements and understandings already reached on LoC-related CBMs, including bus services, crossing points and truck service".
Direct acknowledgement by Pakistan on the coordinates of a joint survey of the Sir Creek areas taking into account each countries position on the issue is significant again as for the first time Pakistan has accepted to take into account the Indian position on the Sir Creek issue
The carefully formulated joint statement that was worked out after hours of discussions among the members of the delegation, including the National Security Adviser M. K. Narayanan and the Foreign Secretary-designate Shivshankar Menon from the Indian side. Pakistan's Secretary of the National Security Council Tariq Aziz, Foreign Minister Kasuri and Foreign Secretary Riaz Khan was there from the Pakistani side.
When asked by the Indian media whether the new agreement represented a breakthrough, Gen. Musharraf said, "Yes, it is very good." He was quite happy over the outcome. He however refused to be drawn into a detailed discussion, pointing out that he had committed himself to not saying anything more than what the statement said, lest it should hamper the dialogue process.
Before the one to one meeting of the two leaders, both the sides were accompanied by their delegations for a brief interaction. The Indian delegation included Mr. Narayanan, Minister of State for External Affairs Anand Sharma, Mr. Shivshankar Menon and Media Adviser to the Prime Minister Sanjaya Baru. The Pakistani side included Mr. Kasuri, Mr. Riaz Khan, and Minister of State Sumaira Malik.
Indian officials later expressed satisfaction over the outcome of the meeting, noting that " All the major issues, including the formulation on terrorism were being negotiated till the very last. The reference to terrorism and the constitution of a joint mechanism to counter it were in tune with the Prime Minister's stand that he can carry Indian public opinion with him only if there were credible assurances on terrorism". At the same time, the resumption of the Foreign Secretary-level dialogue, addressing the issues of Jammu and Kashmir, Siachen and Sir Creek satisfied the Pakistani side.
Earlier President of Pakistan General Musharraf called upon NAM Members to focus on just and equitable solutions to international conflicts and disputes by establishing a mechanism for the purpose. He urged NAM to promote a comprehensive strategy to combat terrorism."NAM should promote a comprehensive strategy to combat and eliminate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. It should require a two-pronged approach: first combating terrorist sanctuaries, including through active international cooperation, [and] secondly addressing the underlined cause of terrorism and extremism, which includes political disputes and conflicts, economic and social injustices".
In his address to the NAM Summit Dr Singh said: ``If NAM is to be relevant in today's circumstances, it cannot afford to equivocate on the subject of terrorism. A message must emanate from us that we are united in our desire to fight and eliminate the scourge of terrorism,'' He further said: "The forces of intolerance and extremism could not be allowed to distract the world's attention from the vital concerns such as poverty, ignorance and disease".
What has been the most significant outcome of the NAM Summit has been the sidelines meeting between India and Pakistan just after the serial bomb blasts and terror attacks in various parts of India in which many innocent lives were lost. This had vitiated the Indo-Pak atmosphere and it was very important to carry forward the Peace dialog process ahead at the earliest. Nothing was more better then the significant meetings between the two heads of states and for the first time Pakistan has taken significant and bold stand on the various issues which can be termed as watershed in Indo-Pak diplomacy. India on her part has also shown flexibility on the various issues including Kashmir. If things go ahead in the right direction from now on it can be a turning point in Indo-Pak history. One can hope for a new dawn in South Asia .A dawn of peace and prosperity for the whole region.
Dr SUVROKAMAL DUTTA
(The Writer is a renowned Foreign Affairs and Economic Expert)
Contact : sk_dutta70@yahoo.com
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