M A I N   N E W S

Diplomacy triumphs at Mohali
Ashok Tuteja
Tribune News Service

Mohali, March 30
The PCA Stadium here provided a perfect stage to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to take forward his initiative for peace with Pakistan. As cricketers from the two countries fought a nerve-wracking battle on the pitch which saw India getting the better of Pakistan, Singh played a perfect host to his guest from across the border, his Pakistani counterpart Yousuf Raza Gilani.

But even as they sat at the dinner table in the stadium itself, the Indian PM was, however, quick to remind Gilani that there was need to create an atmosphere free of violence and terrorism for truly realising the goal of normal ties between the two South Asian neighbours. Gilani fully shared the view expressed by Singh.

“We should put our ancient animosities behind to attend to the problems of our two nations. We have the will to persevere, we have the will to overcome. We should be working together to find cooperative solutions. We need permanent reconciliation to live together in dignity and honour,” he said in his brief speech at the dinner. The two PMs keenly watched cricket from the VVIP box, enjoying every moment of the ‘Gentleman’s Game’. At regular intervals, they exchanged notes, perhaps on cricket. Seated with them in the enclosure were top leaders from India and Pakistan. At the dinner table, the two PMs were joined by Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Pakistan Interior Minister Rehman Malik, Pakistan minister of state for foreign affairs Hina Rabbani Khar and top aides. Briefing reporters, Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao, however, made it clear that there was no dilution in India’s stand that the perpetrators of the Mumbai attacks must be brought to justice by Pakistan.

“There is no question of setting aside or brushing under the carpet the Mumbai incidents…we took it up at the home secretary-level meeting too.” It was very important to conduct a speedy trial of the seven people lodged in Pakistani jails for their involvement in the Mumbai attacks. She said the two PMs had ‘a very wide-ranging conversation’ against the backdrop of the sporting event. The two PMs also spoke about such exchanges between the two countries in other areas as well. The Lok Sabha Speaker and the Rajya Sabha Chairman have asked their Pakistani counterparts to send a Parliamentary delegation to India.

“The dialogue process has been set in motion. The home secretaries have concluded their meeting yesterday, the commerce secretaries will meet in Islamabad in April…their meetings will be followed by talks between surveyor-generals and defence secretaries. The foreign secretaries will meet towards the middle of the year, followed by a meeting between the foreign ministers in July,” she added. Gilani, who expressed the hope that his visit would yield a positive outcome, invited Singh to visit Pakistan. Asked if the Indian PM accepted the invite, Rao said “I am sure this will need to be discussed and finalised through diplomatic channels.” At the dinner meeting, the PM informed the guests about Gilani’s ancestor Mian Mir’s contribution to the building of the Golden Temple. On whether the Kashmir issue figured during the talks, Rao did not give a straight reply, merely stating that the two leaders touched upon a number of issues of relevance.

When pressed further to specify the issues that came up, Rao said “I think what came across was that we are two neighbours and have to engage with each other directly in order to tackled challenges and exploit opportunities in various fields.” Earlier, Gilani arrived on his first visit to India as PM, accompanied by a nearly 50-strong delegation. He was received at the airport by Union Minister of State for Communication Sachin Pilot and Pakistan High Commissioner to India Shahid Malik, among others. After taking rest at the Taj for some time, the 58-year-old leader proceeded to the Mohali stadium to watch the match. “As far as our relations are concerned, I am happy that our talks have resumed. The talks between the Interior Secretaries were conducted in a positive manner. I

appreciate that,” Gilani said before boarding his Pakistan Air Force flight to India. “The idea behind my visit to Mohali is to promote cricket and friendship with India,” Gilani said.

He described Singh as an experienced politician with a positive attitude. "He (Singh) wants to work for peace and prosperity in this region. We are both committed to this and we want the environment to improve so that we can serve the people," Gilani said. "I have never seen him (Singh) being negative about this. I have always found him to be positive," he said. Ever since the PM invited Pakistani leaders to witness the Mohali match, there has been intense speculation on whether the meeting would help reduce tension between the two neighbours.