ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had not been presented any charge sheet by his Indian counterpart during the meeting in New Delhi, Adviser to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs and National Security Sartaj Aziz stated categorically on Wednesday.
He discussed Kashmir issue during his meeting with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi. He brushed aside criticism that Nawaz Sharif did not meet the Kashmiri leaders of Hurriyat, who anyway were not in New Delhi, and that the premier had omitted the ‘K’ word in his statement before leaving Delhi.
On his return from New Delhi, Sartaj Aziz felt the need to take the media into confidence because of front page media reports that Modi had read the riot act to Nawaz Sharif and that he also presented a ‘charge sheet’ to Nawaz.
“The purpose of meeting with the Hurriyat leaders is not mere formality. When there are discussions on Kashmir we take their views. This time there was nothing substantive on Kashmir on the agenda. However, it was raised during the talks. When the prime minister and I point out that all issues of mutual concern were raised, then Kashmir is part of that concern,” he said.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi held a one-on-one meeting on Tuesday in New Delhi after delegation level talks in which issues of concern to both sides were discussed, including the disputes that have so far hampered advancement of bilateral relations.
“The delegation level meeting and the 50-minute one-on-one meeting were polite and firm diplomacy where there was sincerity, warmth and determination to move forward. There was no ‘charge sheet’ rather it was clear that both sides were of the view that confrontation should be converted into meaningful cooperation,” explained Sartaj Aziz in a meeting with the media at the Foreign Office.
Added to this was the first press conference of Indian minister external affairs Sushma Swaraj who stated, “The voice of talks gets lost in the sound of bomb blasts. That is why bomb blasts should stop so that we can talk and our voices can be heard. Talks will get subdued under the din of bomb blasts. He (Modi) conveyed it to Sharif in these many words.”
Sartaj Aziz did not shy away from the fact that concerns about terrorism by both prime ministers found their way to the table.“As you all are aware, all aspects of terrorism have been discussed at different levels in our region. We believe that such issues can be handled only through constant interaction between the concerned authorities of the two countries,” Sartaj Aziz explained while reading from a prepared text.
However, he said the issue of terrorism and other outstanding issues were discussed in a cordial atmosphere, “where both the sides expressed their views on all issues of common concern. There was clear recognition of each other’s concerns and the need for mechanisms to address them”.
While responding to queries, Sartaj Aziz pleaded for patience over all outstanding issues, saying one had to understand that it was Modi’s first day in office, theirs was a ‘ceremonious’ meeting despite which he went into a lengthy meeting with Nawaz Sharif.
“Both agreed that this was an opportunity for beginning of new ties and a new page in our relations. This time around was also different because both the prime ministers have full mandates unlike the last time when Vajpayee had one year left. Both sides have economic progress on their agenda. It is also different from other Indo-Pak governments because we mean it when we say if there is no peace there is no progress,” said Sartaj Aziz sounding an optimistic note.
If Nawaz Sharif did not mention Kashmir in his statement, Wednesday saw Modi beginning the process to abrogate Article 370 that is said to legally bind the disputed Himalayan state with India.
To another query, Sartaj Aziz said that the issue of the Mumbai attacks raised by Modi had nothing new.
“For the last five years the Indian government has talked about the Mumbai attacks and asked us to expedite the trial process so justice can be met. Our response has been that it is an ongoing process. No assurances were asked for in this regard and none were given,” he said.
The issue of terrorism was raised by both sides but unlike what is being said in the media it was done by both in a very civilised tone, with Nawaz Sharif suggesting mechanisms to look into different aspects of the issue and what kind of formation is to be set up.
Sartaj Aziz said the Lahore Declaration which is historical and signed under a BJP government was raised by Nawaz Sharif.“We said that it was a good starting point and Modi said his government had respect for Vajpayee. The declaration states that there will be no interference in each other’s affairs, and efforts will be intensified regarding different issues including Jammu and Kashmir.
The PM’s adviser hinted that the structure of the composite dialogue might undergo a change.“The composite dialogue started in 1998 and covers eight main issues facing Pakistan and India. But so much time has passed and many incidents have occurred; it is the job of the foreign secretaries to decide on how to move forward,” he said.
“Previously it had eight subjects but since then a lot of changes have taken place. The prime minister said there is need for this to be reviewed to take the process further. The agenda will be set by the two foreign secretaries but we have to give them time as their government came into being only yesterday,” Sartaj Aziz said.
On MFN, there has been a lot of progress and some loose ends like non-tariff issues have to be tied up through meetings of the commerce secretaries and the commerce ministers.“Pakistan has a clear stance on Kashmir as without its resolution the objective of long-lasting peace could not be achieved,” he said.
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