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ISLAMABAD: The much awaited and most important meeting between Indian premier Atal Behari Vajpayee and President of Pakistan General Pervez Musharraf took place in Islamabad on Monday.

Held at Aiwan-e-Sadr (President House) the meeting lasted about one hour. It was arranged on the request of the Indian Prime Minister. This was the first formal meeting between the two leaders after the Agra Summit, almost two years ago.

Political observers view the crucial one-to-one meeting with an optimism that 'it could bring a positive changes and pave the way for dialogue on controversial issues between the two countries.'

Overtures

Credible sources told ‘Pakistan Times’, first independent daily web newspaper of Pakistan Monday that along with the newest overtures — aimed at creating an amiable ambiance in South Asia — with focus on bilateral ties in multiple fields, the two leaders have had an in-depth conversation on the crucial problems faced by the region.

President Musharraf and Vajpayee had also shook hands during a banquet given by the Pakistan President to the visiting South Asian countries leaders on Sunday.

President Pervez Musharraf and Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee welcomed steps for the normalization of relations between Pakistan and India with a hope that this process will continue.

Pakistan's Spokesman Comments

Pakistan Monday described the meetings between the Pakistani and Indian leaders on the sidelines of 12th SAARC summit as a 'positive development' and said these would facilitate a process of parleys culminating in a composite dialogue.

'The meetings are a process - we have to invest in these and (these) will have a positive impact on peace and security in the South Asian region,' Foreign Office spokesman Masood Khan told newsmen.

To a question about more meetings between the leaders of the two countries, Khan said 'our first priority is to resume dialogue,' but added that the future meetings have not been decided.

About the meeting between Prime Minister Vajpayee and President Musharraf, Khan said 'these meetings are significant because this is the first contact between leaders since Agra.'

Kashmir

Responding to a question he said 'Pakistan hopes that the present process that is underway will culminate in a composite dialogue and will include discussion on all outstanding issues including Kashmir.'

Nuclear CBMs

Asked about the possibility of Nuclear CBMs in future, he replied 'yes this is a long term goal. Both countries are nuclear capable. This is their responsibility that they should elaborate CBMs and come up with a restraint regime.'

To a question about the meetings of Indian National Security Adviser Brajesh Mishra, Khan said he was part of the Indian delegation and was having meeting with officials in that capacity.

Earlier in an opening statement Khan said Prime Minister Vajpayee paid a courtesy call on President Musharraf. The meeting took place in a cordial atmosphere.

He said the Indian Prime Minister thanked President Musharraf for the excellent arrangements made for the Indian delegation and the hospitality extended to them.

Vajpayee congratulates Musharraf

Prime Minister Vajpayee also congratulated the President on a very successful conduct of the 12th SAARC summit.

The two leaders discussed the positive impact of the recent confidence building measures (CBMs) and hoped that their momentum would be maintained, the Spokesman said.

He said the meeting between Prime Minister Vajpayee and President Musharraf lasted for slightly more than an hour.

From the Indian side, the External Affairs Minister, the National Security Advisor and the Foreign Secretary attended the meeting. From the Pakistan side, the Foreign Minister, the Finance Minister, the Foreign Secretary and our High Commissioner in India were present.

The Spokesman said, on the sidelines of the SAARC Summit, the Indian Prime Minister had requested for a call on President Musharraf. Accordingly the meeting took place, he said.

Yashwant Sinha Reax

'We are interested in the success of this process, and for this we are acting with responsibility. There is possibility of some Confidence Building Measures—CBMs, 'said Indian External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha, at a news conference in Islamabad Monday afternoon.

'The cause is furtherance of process initiated by Prime Minister Vajpayee in April 2003. At this stage I would only say this on the dialogue between Islamabad and New Delhi. I will not say anything beyond this, nor indulge in any speculation,' Sinha said while replying to newsmen questions.

This was the first meeting between President Musharraf and Premier Vajpayee after July 2001, when they had wide ranging talks at their Summit in the Indian citry of Agra.

Yet, the Summit did not succeed in achieving 'positive' results towards normalization of relations between the two countries, and resolving outstanding issues including the Jammu & Kashmir dispute.

Asked whether there was any talk of cross border terrorism during the meeting between President Musharraf and Premier Vajapyee, Indian External Affairs Minister replied 'I cannot say anything. I can only speak about the talks between Mr Vajpayee and Mr Musharraf.'

Bilateral talks should Continue: Vajpayee

Laying foundation stone of a housing complex in Indian High Commission here Vajpayee said that the new questions were raised, which are demanding new answers.

For normalization of relations between Pakistan and India their representation in each country and continuous dialogue are needed, he opined. 'They [the two countries] should work together by understanding mutual problems to seek better solutions,' he added.

Restoration of relations with Pakistan is a crucial responsibility for which bilateral talks should remain continued.