Don’t expect miracles, says Qureshi

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May 11: All is set for a full-fledged resumption of dialogue between nuclear armed neighbours — Pakistan and India – as the top diplomats of the two countries have decided to have a meeting in Islamabad in July.
Addressing a news conference after a 25-minute telephonic conversation with his Indian counterpart, Mr Qureshi said, “All issues of concern can be raised.” He however spoke against creating any false hopes and said he remains an optimist despite the uphill task.
“Don’t expect miracles,” he said but added that both sides have democracies and have the ability to resolve matters through talks.
Mr Qureshi said both the sides have demonstrated seriousness to resolve the outstanding issues. “We will not allow acts of terror impede the process,” Mr Qureshi said in response to a question about restarting the dialogue that came to a halt after the Mumbai attacks.
He said both Pakistan and India were victims of terrorism and the best way of tackling was through mutual understanding and cooperation.
He said the two countries have a joint anti-terror mechanism and needs to be addressed through it. He said talks between the two countries were vital for peace and stability in the region. He said the talks would be preceded by foreign secretary-level talks between the two countries in Islamabad as they meet on the sidelines of the meeting of the interior ministers of Saarc on June 26. He said all issues that were part of the composite dialogue will be discussed as the foreign secretaries and the foreign ministers meet. About the water dispute he said in case there was breach of the Indus Water Basin Treaty, Pakistan would take it up with India. He said at the same time there was a need to improve the water supply and distribution system in Pakistan also.
Mr Qureshi however said that prior to the talks he would be seeking the advise of President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani and all other stakeholders including all political parties, the members of foreign relations committee of National Assembly and the Senate to seek their views and build consensus on the points to be discussed with India.
He said guidance would be sought from those who have been part of such parleys in the past.