Peace process between India and Pak should be taken forward: Saran

Dhaka, July 31 (UNI) Ahead of talks with his Pakistani counterpart Riaz Mohammad Khan here tonight, Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran said the peace process between the two countries should be taken forward in an atmosphere free of violence and terrorism.

''I am looking forward to exchanging views with Mr Khan on all bilateral issues,'' he told a news conference here after the SAARC Standing Committee meeting.

Mr Saran and Mr Khan will meet on the sidelines of SAARC Foreign Secretary and Ministerial Meeting.

The India-Pakistan Foreign Secretary-level meeting scheduled in New Delhi on July 21 was postponed indefinitely following the serial bomb blasts in Mumbai on July 11, which left more than 200 people dead and thousands injured.

Mr Saran said India had all along stated that the continuation of the peace process between the two counties was possible only in an atmosphere free of violence and terrroism.

''Each time there is a major terror attack in any part of India, particularly Jammu and Kashmir, it undermines the public opinion and support that is required for the peace process,'' he added.

He said, ''It is important for us to to convince our people that Pakistan is implementing the assurances given from the highest level that no parts under its control would be used for fomenting violence against India.'' UNI XC KD KN2253