Islamabad, May 26
India and Pakistan today began talks to iron out differences over demilitarisation of Siachen Glacier, the world’s highest battlefield.
Defence Secretary Ajai Vikram Singh, who is leading an eight-member Indian delegation, kicked off the two-day talks with his Pakistan counterpart Tariq Waseem Ghazi at the General Headquarters of the Pakistan army in Rawalpindi.
The eight-member Indian delegation had arrived here last night.
Their arrival coincided with the presence of US Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs Christina Rocca, who began her official visit to Pakistan yesterday.
Observers believe that she will encourage the two sides to reach an agreement for solution of the problem, which has forced armies of the two countries to maintain presence at the world’s highest battlefield since 1984.
Siachen is one of the eight agenda items of the composite dialogue, which the two countries began in February, 2004, after years of tensions.
“The talks were held in cordial and friendly atmosphere,’’ a brief statement, issued by the Defence Ministry at the conclusion of the first round of discussions this afternoon in the garrison town of Rawalpindi.
The two delegations will hold further discussions tomorrow, followed by issuance of a joint statement.
— PTI, UNI
