India,Pak review implementation of existing pacts on 'N' CBMs

New Delhi, Oct 19 (UNI) India and Pakistan today reviewed the implementation of existing agreements on (nuclear) disarmament and non-proliferation issues and Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs) but failed to arrive at any conclusion at the day-long talks on Nuclear CBMs.

After the conclusion of the fifth round of expert-level talks on nuclear and missiles-related CBMs here, the two countries agreed to continue discussions and meet in Islamabad again to carry forward the dialogue and the process of confidence-building in nuclear and missile area.

''Discussions focused on a review of the implementation of existing agreements on CBMs and on disarmament and non-proliferation related issues of mutual interest in multi-lateral fora as provided for in the Lahore Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) of 1999,'' a brief Joint Statement issued after the talks said.

The talks were held in a ''cordial and constructive'' atmosphere and the two sides agreed to meet in Islamabad next to carry forward the dialogue and the process of confidence-building in the nuclear and missile area, according to the Joint Statement.

The process of discussions on Nuclear CBMs was begun in June 2004 as part of the Composite Dialogue Process (CDP).

The Indian delegation at the talks was led by Mr K C Singh, Additional Secretary (International Organisations), in the Ministry of External Affairs, while the Pakistan side was led by Mr Khalid Aziz Babar, Additional Secretary (UN&EC), in the Pakistan Foreign Ministry.

The talks on Nuclear Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs) for reducing the risk of nuclear accidents came a day after both countries held discusssions on Conventional CBMs and reaffirmed commitment to upholding the ceasefire along the border between the two countries.

Todays discussions between the two nuclear neighbours were aimed at boosting confidence in each other and preventing any misunderstanding that may spark off a nuclear misadventure between them.

Both countries also exchange lists of nuclear installations in either country every year.

The Indian delegation also included representatives from the Defence Ministry, Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), National Security Council Secretariat and the DRDO.

On Monday, the two countries will hold the second meeting of the Joint Anti-Terrorism Mechanism.

UNI