Mumbai, Samjhauta figure in Indo-Pak FS-level talks

Islamabad, Jun 24: India's concerns over terror and slow pace of Mumbai trial were discussed in the first round of Indo-Pak Foreign Secretary-level talks during which the Samjhauta bombing case also came up with both sides holding "substantive" deliberations in a "forward looking" approach.

Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao, who arrived in Islamabad on Thursday, Jun 23, and her Pakistani counterpart Salman Bashir began the first round of talks, which have been divided in three segments with talks on peace and security, including Confidence Building Measures, being held in the first session followed by Jammu and Kashmir and Promotion of Friendly Exchanges today.

"All aspects relating to peace and security have been discussed and terrorism is an issue which is an issue confronting both the countries and of course its very relevant to peace and security," Official Spokesperson Vishnu Prakash in the Ministry of External Affairs said.

"They also exchanged views on all issues relevant to peace and security including CBMs that exist between the two countries. A number of ideas were discussed and reflected upon. The talks were substantive, held in very cordial atmosphere and were forward looking," said Pakistani Foreign Office spokesperson Tehmina Janjua.

When specifically asked whether the trial of Mumbai terror attack and Samjhauta train blast was discussed, the officials said all aspects and issues related to peace and security were discussed.

"All issues relevant to peace and security that also include terror which is very relevant to both the countries were discussed," Prakash said.

PTI