Pakistan welcomes India’s offer for fresh talks

Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry has welcomed India’s offer to resume bilateral talks, saying a meaningful dialogue could resolve disputes between the two neighbors.

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said on Thursday that the offer was a positive step.

“There are now signals emanating from India that they are willing to talk bilaterally,” Reuters quoted Qureshi as saying.

Qureshi went on to say that Islamabad would welcome the move if it led to the resumption of a “comprehensive dialogue.”

The Foreign Minister did not confirm a date for the resumption of talks, but said he had sought details from New Delhi.

The remarks come after India made a proposal for the resumption of bilateral talks with Pakistan.

A senior official in New Delhi said on Thursday that the talks would be initiated at the level of foreign secretaries.

“We will raise all relevant issues from our side. Counter-terrorism will be raised, as well as other issues that will contribute to creating an atmosphere of peace and stability between the two countries,” AFP quoted the Indian government source as saying.

The Indian government had raised hopes of fresh talks when it announced its Minister of Home Affairs would attend a regional meeting in Islamabad later this month.

In 2004, the two countries began a dialogue over Kashmir and a range of other issues, but it came to an abrupt halt after the Mumbai terrorist attacks, which claimed more than 170 lives.

New Delhi blames the attacks on Pakistan-based militant groups.

Better ties between the two neighbors are seen as a vital element in any broader settlement of Kashmir and other regional issues.