India decides to slow down peace process: Report

Islamabad, Apr 16: As Pakistan's government continues to grapple with a difficult political situation in the wake of the ongoing judicial crisis months ahead of parliamentary elections, speculation is mounting in the country about New Delhi opting for a ''go-slow'' policy in the composite dialogue process.

''With a keen eye on evolving political situation in Pakistan and the ongoing judicial crisis, India has decided to slow down the pace of Indo-Pak peace process,'' Nation newspaper reported.

It said diplomatic circles here see no chances of breakthrough on any bilateral issue before the formation of the new Pakistani government.

''India has opted for a 'go slow' policy as for the composite dialogue with Pakistan owing to the current judicial crisis in Pakistan and it has decided to wait for the emergence of clear situation,'' the paper quoted diplomatic sources as saying.

Moreover, going by the Constitution it is going to be the year of elections in Pakistan and New Delhi prefers to talk in a conclusive way with the next Pakistani government, said the sources.

A source said the recently held inconclusive talks on Siachen in Islamabad was the clear evidence of new Indian policy as otherwise, Pakistan was looking forward to the positive outcome of parleys on the world's highest battlefield.

He said not only the upcoming talks between the arch rival nuclear nations would be marred by sluggishness in the days and months to come but also the chances of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit to Islamabad have diminished greatly.

Dr Singh would visit Pakistan only if he was in a position to make an announcement on the resolution of the Siachen or Sir Creek issue, he added.

Islamabad and New Delhi have been engaged in the process of negotiations since January 2004 to resolve Kashmir and other bilateral issues and it was in March this year that they commenced the fourth of composite dialogue.

According to the sources, the current year of 2007 would not yield anything positive as far as the settlement of contentious issues like Kashmir, Siachen and other important matters is concerned.

They said as per the agreed schedule, the two sides would hold talks on Sir Creek in May this year but keeping in view the new Indian policy, it could be safely said that no breakthrough was likely contrary to Pakistan's expectations.

UNI