Pakistan, India to hold more talks on Wullar barrage

[Moin91]

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Saturday, September 01, 2007
NEW DELHI: Pakistan and India have emphasised the need for an early and amicable resolution of the Wullar barrage issue in accordance with the provisions of the Indus Waters treaty of 1960 for the socioeconomic development of the people of both countries.

This was stated in a joint statement issued on the conclusion of two-day secretary-level talks on Friday.

Reaffirming their commitment to the Indus Waters treaty, they also agreed to hold further discussions, including at the technical level, on mutually acceptable dates.

Both sides looked forward to the next round of talks under the composite dialogue with a view to resolving the issue at an early date, the statement said.

The statement further said the talks were held in a cordial and constructive atmosphere. Both sides discussed their respective positions on the project and had a better appreciation of each other’s views.

The Pakistani side was represented by Water and Power Secretary Muhammad Ismail Qureshi while Indian side was represented by Water Resources Ministry Secretary Mrs Gauri Chatterji.

Pakistan Commissioner for Indus Water Syed Jammat Ali Shah and High Commissioner to India Shahid Malik also attended the talks.

Later, the Pakistani delegation called on Professor Saifuddin Soz, Union Minister for Water Resources, and discussed matters of mutual interests.

During the talks, Pakistan had asked India to abandon the Wullar barrage project as it was not consistent with the provisions of the Indus Basin treaty.


Pakistan, India to hold more talks on Wullar barrage

[Always Neutral]

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This deal too will head to a neutral arbitrator in a matter of time. I have a gut feeling that the Indians have realised that its time to discreetly use their advantage in rivers flowing into Pakistan as a bargaining chip in future Kashmir negotiations.

Best Regards