India, Pakistan suspend composite dialogue

Islamabad/New Delhi, Dec 8: Reports suggest that India and Pakistan have reportedly agreed to suspend their composite dialogue in the wake of the Nov 26 Mumbai terror strikes.

Diplomatic sources told the Daily Times on Sunday that "India believes that Pakistan-based elements are involved in the Mumbai attacks and is in no mood to talk to Pakistan until its concerns are adequately and timely addressed." The sources said India had issued two demarches to Pakistan. Pakistan has formally responded to the first one, but has not responded to the second demarche until now, in which India levelled allegations about the involvement of elements in Pakistan.

"India did not say Pakistan was involved but it said certain elements from Pakistan were involved and Pakistan should do something against them to prove it was serious about normalising relations with India," the sources said.

They said it was not possible to continue the composite dialogue process under the prevailing circumstances, adding the dialogue's resumption depended on Pakistan's response.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Foreign Office said that the ongoing peace process is in the interest of both countries.

"We are interested in continuing the dialogue, but we cannot say anything about India," Foreign Office sources said.

ANI