India, Pak begin talks on Sir Creek, hope for some solution

New Delhi, May 25 (UNI) India and Pakistan began their two-day talks to resolve the dispute over Sir Creek, a a 100-km marsh between Rann of Kutch and Sindh Province on the Western border between the two countries, hoping to arrive at some solution.

The two sides are meeting in the backdrop of failed discussions on troops withdrawal from Siachen Glacier held earlier this week.

Before starting their talks today, both sides hoped to arrive at a solution and expressed confidence that the discusions would be held in a cordial and friendly atmosphere.

Leader of the Pakistani delegation, Rear Admiral Ehsan-ul-Haq Choudhary, said they had come with an ''open mind'' and looked forward to ''purposeful and result-oriented'' discussions.

''We believe that an early settlement of all issues would help not only in enhancing the existing mode of relationship (between the two countries) but also begin an era of inceased economic activity,'' he said.

Maj Gen M Gopal Rao, Surveyor General of India, who is heading the Indian side at the talks, said he was hopeful that the meeting would come out with some solutions and the talks would be held in a cordial atmosphere.

Pakistan claims that Sir Creek lies in its territory while India says the boundary between the two countries lies in the middle of the Creek.

Resolving the dispute as soon as possible is crucial as the country will then have the right to exploit 300 km of resources in the Arabian Sea. The entire stretch is rich in oil and gas.

Both countries are keen to resolve the issue as soon as possible.

Experts say the two countries have to settle maritime boundary disputes, including Sir Creek, by 2009 because of the United Nations Convention on the Law of Sea (UNCLOS) which requires all countries to settle maritime disputes by 2009.

The UN Law has been ratified by about 60 countries including India and Pakistan. It was enforced in 1994. However, nations having maritime border disputes were given time to settle the issue by 2004 which was later extended till 2009.

The eighth round of the talks on resolvng the dispute was held in Islamabad last year.

A joint survey was conducted last year to identify the boundary pillars installed in 1924 to demarcate the area.

The two countries will hold home secretary-level parleys during May 30-31 in Islamabad on terrorism and drug trafficking.

This will be followed by talks here between Culture Secretaries on the promotion of friendly exchanges on June 1-2.

The talks on Sir Creek are part of the third round of the Composite Dialogue Process (CDP) between the two countries.

UNI RB AK KP1550