India-Pak defence officials hold talks on Siachen

Islamabad, Apr 6: India and Pakistani defence officials began talks today aimed at resolving the Siachen issue.

Pakistan's newly appointed defence secretary Kamran Rasool, and his Indian counterpart Shekhar Dutt, hope to agree an end to the face-off and bring their troops down from the icy heights.

''I am sure that we are heading for a resolution,'' Mr Dutt told reporters after arriving on Thursday.

The two top defence officials shook hands for the cameras before beginning two days of talks in the city of Rawalpindi.

India has refused to withdraw its troops from the glacier until Pakistan accepts the positions held by the two sides.

Pakistan has said it was willing to agree, on condition that was not a final endorsement of India's claim over the glacier.

Talks on Siachen are part of the composite dialogue aimed at resolving all outstanding issues, including Kashmir.

The two countries launched the fourth round of the dialogue last month.

REUTERS

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