India, Pak progress on Kashmir, Siachen, Sir Creek

New Delhi, Nov 28 (UNI) India and Pakistan have made progress on Kashmir, Siachen and Sir Creek while a 'third channel' is involved in resolving the matters between the two countries, Pakistan Foreign Minister Khurshid Mehmud Kasuri said today.

In an interview with CNN-IBN and CNBC, Mr Kasuri, who was here recently on a private visit, also said Pakistan would respond to the evidence given by India regarding various terrorist incidents in the country, in the same way as it handles US evidence against Al Qaeda.

''We have never discussed Kashmir in such a focussed manner, in such a sustained manner, as we have during the last two years...Progress has happened. I definitely feel on the basis of what I know that progress has been made. Useful exchange of ideas has taken place...We would like that the progress that has taken place is in some way brought to the fore for the public.'' he added.

Admitting that discussions were taking place between the two countries at various levels, Mr Kasuri said enough progress had been made on Siachen and Sir Creek and given the political will, both issues could be resolved.

Asked whether some announcement would be made during Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit to Pakistan, he hoped that ''more than something'' would be announced.

''If you show progress on Siachen and also on Sir Creek and I think there are grounds for saying that can be done.

We would definitely hope that that happens. This process will definitely go forward when Dr. Manmohan Singh visits Pakistan,'' he added.

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