January 6, 2004

Vajpayee returns home after landmark talks in Pakistan
NEW DELHI: Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee reached home Tuesday after historic talks with Pakistani leaders which resulted in pledges to resume stalled dialogue next month.

Vajpayee reached New Delhi and was driven home without the ceremonial welcome that is traditionally accorded him on arrival from overseas tours, officials from the premier's office said.

In Islamabad, Vajpayee held talks with Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Zafarullah Jamali on the sidelines of a seven-nation South Asia summit in the first such contact between the nuclear powers since they came close to war in 2002.Musharraf says history made between India and Pakistan.

Meeting with Vajpayee a historic event, Musharraf says
ISLAMABAD: Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf on Tuesday declared history had been made in breakthrough talks with India, after his first meeting with Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee in over two years.

"I am very glad to announce that history has been made," General Musharraf told a 70-minute press conference after Vajpayee departed at the conclusion of a seven-nation South Asia summit.

"We have never reached in the past where we have reached now." A day after the leaders' talks India and Pakistan issued an historic joint statement pledging to resume stalled dialogue in February in a bid to resolve the issue of Kashmir, the disputed region at the heart of their 56-year tensions.

"We have arrived at an agreement on taking this normalisation process forward and setting a framework for taking it to its logical length, its culmination." The two leaders' meeting on the sidelines of the South Asia summit was their first since they teetered on the brink of a third war over Kashmir in 2002.

"To carry the process of normalisation forward the president of Pakistan and the prime minister of India agreed to commence the process of the composite dialogue in February 2004," the statement said, defying pre-summit expectations.

"The two leaders are confident that the resumption of the composite dialogue will lead to peaceful settlement of all bilateral issues, including Jammu and Kashmir, to the satisfaction of both sides."

Musharraf heaped praise on Vajpayee. "I would like to give total credit to his vision, to his statesmanship, which contributed so significantly towards settlement, for coming to this joint statement.

"I would like to commend the flexibility of the negotiators on both sides." Musharraf stressed to reporters afterwards three key "linkages" in the joint agreement: the continuation of normalisation moves, commencement of dialogue that includes Kashmir, and Pakistan's commitment to prevent the use of its territory by terrorist groups.

"These are the three linkages which get highlighted in this joint statement," he said. No timeframe had been set for a resolution or conclusion of dialogue, but he urged speed.
"If all goes well, if there is sincerity and desire for moving forward, we should move as fast as possible. "The sky is the limit." 

Musharraf repeatedly refused to be drawn out on contentious issues, insisting now was the time to find common ground. "I would like to develop convergences, complementarities, the time has come where if we want to proceed further we need to leave the old divergences so therefore I would not like to get involved in them at all," he said.

Musharraf attributed the peace bid between the lifelong rivals to a globalisation-driven need for peace. "Maybe a realisation has set in, in the whole world, that the way forward 
is peace." Musharraf, who blamed two recent assassination attempts against him on 
Islamic militants angered at his moderate policies, said he anticipated an extremist backlash to the peace bid with India. 

"I do believe there will be a fallout among extremists," he said. But the former commando vowed not to be deterred. "We need to move strongly in the direction of peace as if there are no such people existing on both sides.

"We must be strong...Whatever shade and colour and we'll take them to task. No extremism will be allowed here in Pakistan," he added. He said the peace bid was crucial for all of South Asia, whose backwards development was tied to the India-Pakistan dispute.

"SAARC is the only region which I feel is not cooperating within itself for economic and commercial progress and the prosperity of its people. "There is an unrealised potential and we're not utilising its potential." 

Indo-Pak composite talks next month: Kasuri
ISLAMABAD: India and Pakistan will begin composite dialogue next month on all topics including the flashpoint issue of Kashmir. This was stated by Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmoud Kasuri in press conferences here on Tuesday. 

Kasuri said Pakistani and Indian leaders were agreed to initiate dialogue next month for improvement of bilateral relations. They believe that all bilateral problems including Kashmir could be resolved by composite dialogue, he further said. 

Leaderships of both countries were agreed that only constructive talks could usher an era of peace, security and economic progress in their countries, Kasuri said. 

SAARC summit is landmark for peace in region: Jamali
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali in a press conference Tuesday said that the member countries of SAARC were agreed on the SAARC charter, non-interference and peaceful settlement of the disputes. 
Hosting the summit was an honor for the government and people of Pakistan, Jamali said. The SAARC summit has proved a milestone for peace in the region. If this road map implements it will initiate an era of development and multi-dimensional cooperation in South Asia. 
Jamali said politics couldn’t be separated from economics. Lives of the people could be transformed with peace, stability and settlement of disputes, he said. 
He said a mechanism has been chalked out to implement the decisions taken in the summit. The dormant committees will be resuscitated and different groups will give their proposals soon. 
Talking on the Indo-Pak relations he expressed hope that the bilateral relation will progress in right direction.

President Musharraf will address press in evening
ISLAMABAD: President Musharraf has said that he will address a press conference today at 1630 PST, Geo news channel reported on Tuesday.

SAARC summit closes with a positive note
ISLAMABAD: A historic South Asian summit ended Tuesday with leaders of the seven nations hailing the three-day meeting as a watershed for the region, thanks to breakthrough talks between rivals India and Pakistan and a free trade pact, Geo news channel reported. 
This summit marks a watershed in enhancing South Asian regional cooperation, Bangladeshi Prime Minister Khaleda Zia declared in her closing address at Islamabad's Jinnah Convention Center. 

Host Pakistan's prime minister, Zafarullah Jamali, declared the 12th South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit closed and expressed that the agreement on SAFTA is a big achievement. 

South Asia ministers sign free trade agreement
ISLAMABAD: South Asian foreign ministers signed a framework pact on a free-trade area on Tuesday, the final day of a summit that saw the first talks between India and Pakistan since 2001 and raised hopes for regional cooperation. 

The agreement to reduce or eliminate tariffs by the seven nations of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation is to come into force from the start of 2006, but its success hinges on peace moves by India and Pakistan, its biggest members.

SAARC's developing states -- Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka -- will cut tariffs to between zero and five percent within seven years of the start of the agreement.

Its least developed states -- Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and the Maldives -- have ten years to complete the process, though all members can maintain a list of sensitive products on which tariffs will not be reduced. 

SAARC summit’s concluding session begins in Islamabad
ISLAMABAD : 12th SAARC summit’s concluding session begins in Islamabad on Tuesday . SAARC leaders started gathering in Jinnah Convention Center. Prime Minister Jamali reached the center . Foreign Minister Khursheed Mahmood Kasuri received the Prime Minister. Later Prime Minister Jamali and other ministers welcomed the Indian Prime Minister Vajpayee and leaders of other member countries. 

12th SAARC summit declaration today 
ISLAMABAD: The declaration of the 12th SAARC summit will be issues on Tuesday (Today).

The declaration would be followed by a joint press conference from Prime Minister Zafarullah Jamli and Secretary General Rehman to brief media about the important decisions taken at the SAARC conference. 


January 5, 2004

UN's Annan welcomes meeting of Indian, Pakistani leaders
UNITED NATIONS: UN Secretary General Kofi Annan on Monday hailed the meeting between the leaders of nuclear-armed rivals India and Pakistan for the first time since they edged toward the brink of war in 2002.

"He considers that these meetings represent another important step forward in the continuing bilateral efforts to improve relations and resolve outstanding issues between the two countries," his spokesman Fred Eckhard said.

Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf and Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee met on the sidelines of a South Asian summit in Islamabad. "The secretary general urges both sides to continue with these efforts and hopes the summit meetings will give a new impetus to serious and sustained dialogue," Eckhard said.

The meeting, at a summit of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), raised hopes for an end to 56 years of acrimonious relations between the neighbours.

Officials said Vajpayee and Musharraf tried to find common ground to start a dialogue on disputed Kashmir, which has caused two of their three wars and nearly triggered a confrontation between the two in 2002.

US welcomes India-Pakistan talks

WASHINGTON: The United States welcomes the meeting between the leaders of nuclear-armed rivals India and Pakistan for the first time since they edged toward the brink of war in 2002, the White House said Monday.

"We encourage direct dialogue as the best way for India and Pakistan to resolve any issues between them. Any step that contribute to a reduction in tensions between countries is positive," said national security spokesman Sean McCormack.

Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf and Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee met on the sidelines of a South Asian summit in Islamabad. The meeting, at a summit of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), raised hopes for an end to 56 years of acrimonious relations between the neighbors.

Officials said Vajpayee and Musharraf tried to find common ground to start a dialogue on disputed Kashmir, which has caused two of their three wars and nearly triggered a confrontation between the two in 2002.

Maldivian President leaves for home
(ISLAMABAD: President of Maldives, Maumoon Abdul Qayyum, who described the Saarc Summit and his visit as very successful, left here Monday for home.

During his stay, besides attending the summit, he held meetings with President General Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali. 

Talking to PTV, Maumoon said "We have agreed on Safta, we have signed the agreement and we have also signed the Social Charter and Additional Protocol to combat terrorism."

Maumoon said these are great achievements and he believed that  Saarc can move ahead on these fronts. He also thanked President General Pervez Musharraf, government and people of Pakistan for according warm welcome and hospitality.  

Minister for Water and Power, Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao saw the the Maldivian president off at the Islamabad airport.

Vajpayee-Musharraf meeting will improve bilateral relationships: Sinha
ISLAMABAD: President Pervez Musharraf and Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, who had an hour long meeting Monday in Islamabad, have welcomed steps for the normalisation of relations between Pakistan and India and hoped that this process
will continue. 

"We are interested in the success of this process, and for this we are acting with responsibility. There is possibility of some Confidence Building Measures CBMs'', said Indian External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha, at a news conference this afternoon in Islamabad.

"The cause is furtherance of process initiated by Prime Minister Vajpayee in April 2003. At this stage I would only say this on the dialogue between Islamabad and New Delhi. I will not say anything beyond this, nor indulge in any speculation'', said Sinha while replying to newsmen questions. 

This was the first meeting between President Musharraf and Premier Vajpayee after July 2001, when they had wide ranging talks at their Summit in the Indian citry of Agra. However, the Summit did not succeed in achieving "positive'' results towards normalization of relations between the two countries, and resolving outstanding issues including Jammu & Kashmir dispute.

Asked whether there was any talk of cross border terrorism during the meeting between President Musharraf and Premier Vajapyee, Indian External Affairs Minister replied ``I cannot say anything. I can only speak about the talks between Mr Vajpayee and Mr Musharraf''. 

Questioned about the meeting between Mr Vajpayee's National Security Adviser Brijesh Misra and Director General ISI, Mr Sinha responded by saying ``It is not necessary to speak about it''. 

Resolution of disputes will take time: Rashid
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information Sheikh Rashid Ahmad said in an interview that this will be unrealistic to expect that 52 years old disputes could be solved at once after the meeting between president Musharraf and Prime Minister Vajpayee, it will definitely positive for south Asia’s peace and stability. 

Efforts are in offing to remove obstacles in issuance of the declaration because there are number of things which are still unclear. He said that Pakistan is waiting for the statement of the Indian foreign Minister in this regard.

Optimum utilization of resources need for poverty alleviation: SCCI
ISLAMABAD: Vice President SAARC Chamber of Commerce Mackie Hashim said the South Asian countries could alleviate poverty with mutual better relations and optimum use of resources. 

Talking with Geo Monday he said one of the causes of poverty is population while the other is lesser production rate. Referring Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and Taiwan, he said they produce hundred items a day in comparison of 20 to 30 items in our countries. He urged mobilization of the people for the purpose. 

SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) despite a long period of its existence could not played pivotal role for promotion of trade among the member countries. Lack of harmony among the people of region has negatively affected our cause, he said. 

Pakistan and India have now realized the importance of the issue and striving to solve the problem, he further said. SCCI has organized seminars, meetings and lectures in capitals of the SAARC member countries. 

The SAARC countries were not only lagging in mutual trade they are also behind in investment. He said the countries of the region have lesser mutual contacts and the two largest countries of the region Indian and Pakistan are not trading with each other. 

PM hosted lunch for SAARC leaders
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali hosted a lunch in the honour of SAARC leaders Monday. 

The SAARC countries leaders are informally meeting today to discuss matters of mutual interests. Delegates of India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives and Bangladesh exchanging views on regional and international issues in various gatherings during their presence in Islamabad.

Pak India foreign secretaries met 
Islamabad: Foreign secretaries of India and Pakistan met on Monday and discussed bilateral, regional and SAARC issues on breakfast table in Islamabad. 

Meanwhile, foreign office spokesman Masood Khan stated that SAARC Summit provided a good opportunity to India and Pakistan to resume bilateral dialogue. 

Vajpayee attends Indian HC reception
ISLAMABAD: Indian high commissioner Shiv Shankar Menon gave a reception in the honour of Prime Minister Vajpayee that was also attended by different political party leaders, Geo news channel reported on Monday.

Chief of PPP-Parliamentarians Makhdoom Ameen Fahim, also attended the Indian High Commissioner’s reception and presented a bouquet to Prime Minister Vajpayee from PPP chairperson Benazir Bhutto welcoming the Indian PM. He said Ms. Bhutto wants peace in the region.

A minorities assembly member Ramesh Lal presented a memorandum to Vajpayee requesting visa convenience to Pakistani Hindus for pilgrimage to holy places in India. 

Muslim League (N) leader Chaudhry Nisar, central leader of Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Professor Khursheed, Nasreen Jaleel, Asfandyar Wali also met with the Indian PM in the reception and discussed various issues. 

Traders offer 30% discount for SAARC delegates
ISLAMABAD: All trade organizations in Islamabad has unanimously decide to give 30% discount on shopping for SAARC delegates. 

This was announced by trade organizations representatives during a meeting with deputy commissioner Islamabad as a gesture of good will for delegations, they added. 

Bilateral talks should remain continued: Vajpayee
ISLAMABAD: Laying foundation stone of a housing complex in Indian High Commission here Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee said that the new questions were raised, which are demanding new answers. For normalization of relations between Pakistan and India their representation in each country and continuous dialogue are needed, he further said. They should work together by understanding mutual problems to seek better solutions, he added. 

Restoration of relations with Pakistan is a crucial responsibility for which bilateral talks should remain continued.  

Musharraf-Vajpayee meeting ends with positive note
ISLAMABAD: Much awaited and most important meeting between Indian premier Atal Bihari Vajpaee and President of Pakistan Gen. Pervez Musharraf held in president house Islamabad on Monday. 

Meeting was last about one hour, was arranged on the request of the Indian prime minister. This was the first formal meeting between the two leaders after Agra Summit two years back.

High military and civil officials were present during the meeting. Political observers said that this meeting could bring the positive changes and pave the way for dialogue on controversial issues between the two countries.

Vajpayee, Musharraf crucial meeting begins in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: A crucial one-to-one meeting between the Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee and Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf has begun in Islamabad, Geo news channel reported on Monday,

The two leaders are expected to discuss the crucial problems faced by the region especially the core issue of Kashmir. President Musharraf and Vajpayee had also shook hands during a banquet given by the Pakistan President to the visiting South Asian countries leaders on Sunday.

 
Earlier, Indian foreign ministry spokesman Navtej Sarna had said that the first meeting within two years between the Pakistan and India’s leaders was scheduled to held at 10.30 a.m. (0530 GMT) on Monday.

Russia hails Musharraf-Vajpayee meeting in Islamabad
MOSCOW: Russia has hailed a meeting on Monday between president Pervez Musharraf and Indian prime minister Mr. Atal Behari Vajpayee and expressed its hope that the meeting would lead to a major breakthrough in bilateral talks between the two countries. 

Russia's foreign ministry said, “We see Musharraf-Vajpayee meeting in a positive way and hope both the countries shall resove all their bilateral issues peacefully by opening dialiagouges under Shimla Pact and Lahore Declaration.”

January 4, 2004

SAARC Summit ‘a positive move towards peace in South Asia’ : MMA
ISLAMABAD: Mutehda Majlis-e-Amal on Sunday described SAARC Summit as a positive move towards establishing peace in South Asia.

In a joint satatement issued by Mutehda Majlis-e-Ammal Kazi Hussein Ahmed, Maulana Fazaul-ul-Rehman and Maulana Sami-ul-Haq jointly said, “Establishing peace in the region is a top priority of the SAARC Summit.”

“If India an Pakistan adopt realistic and justice-based approach towards Kashmir issue honouring right of self-determination of the Kashmiri people, then both the countries should pay their attention on unbiased resolution of the Kashmir issue, so that effectiveness of the SAARC can be materialized”, said the joint statement.

It will also provide Charter of SAARC an opportunity for attainment of its aims and objectives in the region, the statement added.

Musharraf will meeting Vajpayee tomorrow, but time yet to be decided: Masood Khan 
ISLAMABAD: Foreign Office spokesman Masood Khan revealed on Sunday that meeting between Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee and President Pervez Musharraf would hold on Monday, but meeting schedule was yet to be finalized. 

Talking to a press briefing in Islamabad, Mr. Khan said, “positive move in Indo-Pakistan relationships has occurred, but efforts need to be taken for going on with them in future.”

He suggested both the countries to sort out all the issues between two big economies of the region by means of peaceful dialogues.

Musharaf stresses need for resolving disputes for peace in SAARC 
ISLAMABADA: President General Parvaiz Musharaf has stressed upon the need of mutual cooperation and strong relationships between the member countries of South Asian Association for Regional cooperation (SAARC) and offered an unconditional cooperation for resolving all long-standing issues with honour and mutual respect for each other.

Welcoming the dignitaries on the occasion of the dinner hosted by him at Aiwan-e-Sadr Islamabad General Parvaiz Musharaf, without naming India, offered a whole hearted cooperation for resolving all issues maintaining that the internal and external political issues have cause an stunt in the progress of the countries of the nation. Parvaiz Musharaf said that since its 18 years of emergence SAARC has been unable to make a tangible progress for the progress of the people and elimination of the poverty, disease and other social problems from their respective countries. 

Musharraf maintained that the destiny of the people of South Asia was linked with the peace and development in the region which was blessed with resources, heritage and great culture however he said that countries were still far from the realization of potentials. He said that there was nothing wrong in the saying that past belonged to Europe, present to United states and the future belongs to Asia and called upon the member countries to let this vision a realization by seizing moments of historic opportunity to provide the people a life of peace and prosperity. 

He said that the region was the pioneer of Agriculture and trade through the silk route when the rest of the world was enveloped in the darkness. "There can be no development in the absence of peace and no peace if political disputes remain unattended." He said adding , " South Asia must realize destiny by confronting problems not by shying away from them." " we owe this to people and let us not disappoint them and if we fail cynicism will take over." He said that each of the country must be mind full of sovereignty, mutual respect and honour and make it mode for the regional cooperation. President General Parvaiz Musharaf expressed his determination to contribute for the well being and strengthening of SAARC country. 

Vajpayee, Musharraf to meet Monday
ISLAMABAD: Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee and Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf will meet on Monday, a Pakistani official told a press briefing.

SAARC leaders signs 'Social Charter'
ISLAMABAD: The implementation of the Social Charter shall be facilitated by a National Coordination Committee or any appropriate national mechanism as may be decided in each country.

The Charter particularly deals with poverty alleviation, health issues, education, human resource development and youth mobilization, promotion of the status of women, promotion of the rights and well-being of the child, population stabilization and drug de-addiction, rehabilitation and reintegration.

The SAARC member states can amend the Charter through an agreement between all the parties. In the light of the commitments made in the Charter, SAARC States agree
to following principles, goals and objectives:

i. Place people at the center of development and direct their economies to meet human needs more effectively; ii. Fulfill the responsibility towards present and future generations by ensuring equity among generations, and protecting the integrity and sustainable use of the environment; iii. Recognize that, while social development is a national responsibility, its successful achievement requires the collective and cooperation of the international community; iv. Integrate economic, cultural and social policies so that they become mutually supportive, and acknowledge the interdependence  of public and private spheres of activity; v.Recognize that the achievement of sustained social development requires sound, equitable and broad-based economic policies; vi. Promote participatory governance, human dignity, social justice and solidarity at the national, regional and international levels; vii. Ensure tolerance, non-violence, pluralism and non-discrimination in respect of diversity within and among societies; viii. Promote the equitable distribution of income and greater access to resources through equity and equality of opportunity for all; 
ix. Recognize the family as the basic unit of society,and acknowledge that it plays a key role in social development and as such should be strengthened, with attention to the rights, capabilities and responsibilities of its members including children, youth and the
elderly; x. Affirms that while State, society,, community and family have obligations towards children, these must be viewed in the context of inculcating in children intrinsic and attendant sense of duty and set of values directed towards preserving and strengthening the family, community, society and nation; xi. Ensure that disadvantaged, marginalized and vulnerable persons ad groups are included in social development, and that society acknowledges and respond to the consequences of disability by securing the legal rights of the individuals and by making the physical and social environment accessible; xii. Promote universal respect for and observance and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, in particular the right to development; promote the effective exercise of rights and the discharge of responsibilities in a balanced manner at all levels of society; promote gender equity; promote the welfare and interest of children and youth; promote social integration and strengthen civil society; xiii. Recognize the promotion of health as a regional objective and strive to enhance it by responding to urgent health issues and outbreak of any communicable disease in the region through sharing information with each other, imparting public health and curative skills to professionals in the region; and adopting a coordinated approach to health related issues in international fora; xiv. Support progress and protect people and communities whereby every member of society is enabled to satisfy basic human needs and to realize his or her personal dignity, safety and creativity; xv. Recognize an support people with diverse cultures, beliefs and traditions in their pursuit of economic and social development
with full respect for their identity, traditions, forms of social organization and cultural values; xvi. Underline the importance fo transparent and accountable conduct of
administration in public and private, national and international institutions; xvii. Recognize that empowering people, particularly women, to strengthen their own capacities is an important objective of development and its principal resource. Empowerment requires the 
full participation of people in formulation, implementation and evaluation of decisions and sharing the results equitably; xviii. Accept the universality of social development, and outline and effective approach to it, with a renewed call for international cooperation and partnership; xix. Ensure that the elderly persons lead meaningful and fulfilling lives while enjoying all rights without discrimination and facilitate the creation of an environment in which they continue to utilize their knowledge, experience and skills; xx. Recognize that information communication technology can help in fulfilling social development goals and emphasize the need to facilitate easy access to this technology. xxi. Strengthen policies and programmes that improve, broaden and ensure the participation of women in all spheres of political, economic social and cultural life, as equal partners, and improve their access to all resources needed for the full enjoyment of their fundamental freedoms and other entitlements. 

Jamali-Vajpayee meeting crowns opening of South Asia summit
ISLAMABAD: India and Pakistan leaders met Sunday, crowning the opening of a landmark South Asian summit. 

Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Zafarullah Jamali entered one-on-one talks straight after the opening of the 12th summit of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) at Islamabad's Convention Center.

The meeting has taken place, it was a good meeting, Pakistan Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri told reporters after the surprise meeting, as he entered his own bilateral talks with his Indian counterpart Yashwant Sinha.

The two premiers met privately for 16 minutes before being joined by their foreign ministers and foreign secretaries for another seven minutes of talks. It was the first official Indian-Pakistani talks since July 2001, when a failed summit was held in the Indian city of Agra.

Foreign ministry spokesman Masood Khan called the meeting a ‘courtesy call’ while Indian Foreign Minister said that "close cooperation and other matters of mutual interest" were discussed in a "warm and cordial" atmosphere.

Sinha had remarked on the eve of the summit that “the winds of change are 
blowing in the SAARC region." Another meeting was also expected between the two prime ministers. 

Free trade treaty a landmark for SAARC: Thapa
ISLAMABAD: Nepalese Prime Minister Surya Bahadur Thapa Sunday said SAFTA will prove landmark in future for the SAARC countries. It will help poverty alleviation in the country. He was addressing the opening session of the South Asian regional summit. 

He hailed the ongoing India-Pakistan peace overtures as encouraging. ‘We have been very encouraged by the positive developments that have recently taken place in improving relations between India and Pakistan, Thapa Said. 

We welcome significant overtures and initiatives taken by Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee and President Pervez Musharraf in this direction. Nepal believes that improvement of relations between India and Pakistan will lead to relaxation of tension and help strengthen the SAARC, he said.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Zafarullah Jamali and Vajpayee, who is also attending the conference, earlier called for greater trust and enhanced trade in the region.

Free trade deal will begin new era in SA: Maldives President
ISLAMABAD: President of Maldives Mamoon Abdul Gayoom on Sunday said the 12th SAARC Summit was a historic one, for the agreements reached in this were of high importance, sources said. 

Addressing the summit, Mr. Gayoom said, “Core aim of the SAARC Summit is to better life quality of the people of member countries.” 

“Since South Asia is a big area in terms of manpower and itself a big market, traders of the member counties should center their attentions on the trade in the region”, He opined.

He hoped that agreement on free trade in South Asia would be reached and said with that new era of socio-economic development would begin. 

SAFTA would certainly benefit to all the member countries, he asserted.

Mr. Gayoom recalled that during the last SAARC Summit held two years back, it was agreed that poverty-reduction measures by the member countries were no way satisfactory and the member countries lacked a roadmap for poverty alleviation.  “Attainment of manpower development is only possible with uniting the people”, he said.

Bhutan leader calls regional cooperation for poverty alleviation
ISLAMABAD: Bhutan's Prime Minister Lyonpo Jigme Yaeser Thinley said the SAARC member countries should collectively work for the poverty alleviation, he was addressing the inaugural session of the South Asian countries summit in Islamabad on Sunday. 

The SAARC member countries had presented various proposals for alleviation of poverty from the member countries in earlier summits, he added. He urged for the need of regional cooperation for solution of problems. He also welcomed the South Asian Free Trade Agreement. 

If the SAARC member countries not get united they would not get benefit from the world free markets, he warned. We should not copy the western industrial system and globalization and seek local solutions of our local problems, he added. 

Vajpayee calls for trust and trade in South Asia
ISLAMABAD: Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee Sunday called for mutual trust and confidence in South Asia for long-term economic cooperation, in a speech that won warm praise from his Pakistani counterpart Mir Zafarullah Jamali.

We have to change South Asia's image and standing in the world, Vajpayee said during the opening session of the 12th summit of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), a grouping of seven nations.

We must take the bold transition from mistrust to trust, from discord to concord, and from tension to peace. Any joint endeavour needs mutual trust and confidence, he said. 

Vajpayee said despite centuries of conflicts and wars, a string of regional economic groupings have been formed in Europe, Southeast Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean region -- showing a way for SAARC.

All these examples remind us that rational economics should triumph over political prejudice in South Asia, the Indian prime minister said.

He added that the common bonds of religion, language, ethnicity and culture of the region were far more enduring that the relatively recent barriers of political prejudice that we have erected.

We should renew these bonds and jointly overcome poverty, disease and hunger. The Indian leader was hailed by Pakistani Prime Minister Zafarullah Jamali at the conclusion of his speech.

We have great respect for his excellency Atal Behari Vajpayee, he personifies many qualities. He is a visionary, a poet, a prolific writer and an able politician, which are the qualities of a true leader, Jamali said.

Khalida says SAARC summit crucial for region
(Updated at 1230 PST)
ISLAMABAD: Bangladesh Prime Minister Khalida Zia Sunday called the SAARC summit crucial for the South Asia that could lead to peace and security. She was addressing the summit of the South Asian leaders at the Convention Centre here. 

The world has changed within last two year and globalization has spread over and we should also see in the future, she said. She denounced attack of Pakistan’s President Pervez Musharraf’s life.

‘We should work for poverty alleviation, she said appreciating the agreement between the member countries over the war against terrorism and the free trade agreement. 

She called for focusing on regional projects, education for children, health, family planning, and law and order. 

Kumaratunga sees hope for South Asia in India-Pakistan peace
ISLAMABAD: Sri Lanka President Chandrika Kumaratunga on Sunday hailed peace overtures between India and Pakistan as boosting chances of saving South Asia from global marginalisation.

The vision and courage demonstrated recently by the leaders of India and Pakistan in their efforts to resolve bilateral issues have infused this summit, as well as the process of SAARC, with a renewed sense of purpose and vigour, Kumaratunga said in her opening address to the 12th South Asia summit.

The South Asia Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), which groups Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, began its first summit since 2002 in Pakistan's capital Islamabad Sunday.

Kumaratunga said South Asia faced marginalisation in the global economy and the future of SAARC. The reduction of tensions between the two largest member states of our association gives rise to much confidence, the Sri Lankan leader said.

Our prayers and wishes will be with you during this historic moment in Indo-Pakistan relations. The Sri Lankan leader thanked President of Pakistan Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Jamali for hosting the landmark SAARC summit in the beautiful city of Islamabad. 

Hopes are high that Indian and Pakistani leaders will seize the summit as a chance to meet for the first time since nearly going to war in 2002.

Jamali thanks SAARC countries after assuming charge of chairman
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali Sunday thanked leaders of the SAARC countries after assuming charge as the chairman of the South Asian Association of the Regional Cooperation. He especially thanked the Nepalese Prime Minister Surya Bahadar Thapa, his predecessor chairman of the organization. 

He assured all member countries that Pakistan would do its best to achieve the objectives the South Asian countries organization. The secretaries and ministers have did their utmost for preparations of the summit, he told the participating heads of the member countries. 

Prime Minister Zafarullah Jamali urged an end to tensions in South Asia here Sunday, saying they had hampered the region's economic progress in his opening address to a landmark summit.

Greater ecoonomic integration is inexplicably linked to the creation of requisite political climate of peace and stability, he told the opening of the 12th summit of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).

"It is a stark reality that political differences and disputes have held back prospects of economic cooperation in South Asia. "We subscribe to the vision of global multi-dimensional cooperation in South Asia, but we must realize that that this vision can only be transformed into reality if we are able to overcome our differences and disputes and create a climate of mutual trust and confidence."

South Asian leaders meet in landmark summit
ISLAMABAD: Nepal Prime Minister Surya Bahadur Thapa formally opened the 12th summit of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) here on Sunday.

"I declare the 12th SAARC summit open," Thapa, the outgoing chairman of SAARC, said to loud applause in Islamabad's Convention Center. Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali of the host Pakistan assumed chairmanship of the summit from his Nepalese counterpart. 

South Asian leaders meet here on Sunday for their first summit in two years to sign a regional trade deal and discuss other regional issues. 

January 3, 2004

Vajpayee ready to talk to Musharraf on Kashmir ISLAMABAD: Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee said he was prepared for talks with President Pervez Musharraf on Kashmir and that a sustained dialogue was necessary, in an interview to Pakistan television shown on Saturday. "We think that we can have talks with Musharraf sahib (sir)," he said in the interview given in New Delhi before his departure for Islamabad to attend the seven-nation, three-day South Asian summit starting here on Sunday. "We hope that the interaction will take us to some conclusion,"  the Indian

leader said, speaking in Hindi language. Vajpayee gave no time-frame and made no commitment that he would talk to the Pakistani leader during the summit. "It is our claim and rightful claim that Jammu and Kashmir is our part but we are ready for talks," Vajpayee said, referring to the 56-year old dispute on the Himalayan state of Kashmir, divided between Pakistan and India and claimed by both. Vajpayee said that there had not been a sustained dialogue between the two countries over the issue. "The problem is that there has not been sustained talks. Pakistan has been repeating its stance (over Kashmir) and we have also been doing the same, and the world has been saying that we should resolve it. "We need time to move forward, there should be a continued dialogue." He said General Musharraf, who won a vote of confidence for his presidency on Thursday, was the foremost leader of Pakistan and "we wish him to take part in efforts to bring about good relations" between the two countries.  Musharraf and Vajpayee held a summit at Agra in July 2001 but it failed to arrive at any consensus. Nuclear powers Pakistan and India have fought three wars, two over Kashmir, since gaining independence from Britain in 1947.

Premiers of Bhutan and Nepal meet Musharraf ISLAMABAD: Bhutan's Prime Minister Lyonpo Jigme Yaeser Thinley and Nepalese Premier Surya Bahadur Thapa met Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf on Saturday ahead of a seven-nation South Asia summit. The leaders of the neighbouring Himalayan kingdoms expressed hope that India and Pakistan would engage to improve bilateral relations for peace in South Asia, state media reported.

Thapa and Thinley flew in together to Islamabad early on Saturday for a summit of the South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation (SAARC), which opens on Sunday. In separate meetings with Musharraf they expressed the hope that the three-day summit would be a "milestone in the history of regional organization", government news agency reported. "They felicitated the president on his recent peace initiatives vis-a-vis India and expressed the hope that Pakistan and India would continue to remain engaged in order to improve their bilateral relations," APP said quoting a senior foreign ministry official. It said Musharraf had assured them of "Pakistan's deep commitment to the SAARC principles". Musharraf said he was "acutely aware that such a large potential in the region lies unrealized because of the problems that are holding the relations between the countries". "There is a need to move forward in a determined manner to enable this region to join other fast-growing regions of Asia for the rapid progress and prosperity of South Asian people," Musharraf said. They also expressed "relief and satisfaction" on behalf the kings of Bhutan and Nepal that President Musharraf had emerged unharmed from the two recent assassination attempts. Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee also arrived for the summit, but officials were tight-lipped about the possibility of a Musharraf-Vajpayee meeting. SAARC comprises of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Maldives President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom also arrived on Saturday, while Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga is due to arrive early on Sunday.

Indian PM ready to discuss Kashmir with Pakistan ISLAMABAD: India is ready for an open discussion with nuclear-armed rival Pakistan to resolve their dispute over Kashmir, but talks will take time to yield a result, Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee said on Saturday. "It is our belief and correct belief that Jammu and Kashmir is a part of India, but we are ready to talk about it openly," Vajpayee said in an interview with Pakistan Television.

"I think there has not been a solid discussion on this question," he said. "The world has been saying you people get together and resolve your issue among yourselves. This will take time."

SAARC council of ministers finalizes draft agenda

Islamabad: The SAARC Council of Ministers Saturday finalised the draft agenda covering social charter, SAFTA, Summit declaration, additional protocol on suppression of terrorism and eradication of poverty.       

Describing the two-day meeting of Council of Ministers of SAARC as successful, Foreign Minister and Chairman of the Council of Ministers Mr. Khurshid Mahmood Kasuri said it was held in a spirit of accommodation and cooperation.                     

Talking to newsmen after the meeting, Mr. Kasuri hoped that the 12th SAARC Summit will be historic considering the understanding and agreements they have arrived at.          

He said a lot of people did not even dream of what they have achieved.  He said that the Foreign Ministers achieved consensus on draft declaration.         

He hoped that the Summit will improve atmosphere in the South Asian region.                      

Replying to a volley of questions, about the possibility of dialogue between Pakistan and India, Mr. Khurshid Mahmood Kasuri hoped that improved atmosphere will lead to composite dialogue between the two countries.

He said once there is a meeting of minds for composite dialogue, earlier the better.  He said the Foreign Secretaries of the two countries can meet for the final round and rush on the draft which was agreed to by the Foreign Ministers of the two countries in Aagra.      

He said then it can go to political level either at the Foreign Ministers or higher level.  He said there is no option accept for resolving disputes peacefully and that is possible through composite dialogue.             

The Indian Foreign Minister Mr. Yashwant Sinha said the meeting of Council of Minister was held in a spirit of accommodation and cooperation. He said there were no differences at the meeting.                       

Asked about the possibility of meeting between Mr. Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Pakistani leadership, Mr. Yashwant Sinha said nothing is fixed.  He said the Prime Minister of India has arrived and the whole things will be discussed and decisions taken.                 

The Bangladesh Foreign Minister Mr. Morshed Khan thanked Pakistan for making excellent arrangements for the SAARC Summit.  He said people of our region deserve better future and the SAARC is the forum where we can pull our resources together.             

He said, "He is happy that significant progress has been made at the Council of Ministers meeting."

Indian Prime Minister Vajpayee arrived in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: Indian Prime Minister Vajpayee Saturday arrived at Islamabad international airport. The Indian leader has arrived to attend the three-day 12th South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation summit beginning from January 4th, Geo news channel reported.

Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali received the Indian leader. The guest was presented a guard of honour. 

Bhutan, Nepal PM arrives in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: The prime ministers Suriya Bahadur and Jagma Singhay of Nepal and Bhutan, flew into Islamabad together on Saturday, the first two of six visiting heads of government to arrive for the three-day 12th South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation summit, Geo news channel reported.

Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali received the leaders with along with embassy officials. The guests were also presented a guard of honour. 

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