Delhi welcomes Sharif’s call for ‘new beginning’
Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s call for a “new beginning” in ties with India has been welcomed by New Delhi, which at the same time firmly indicated there can be no dialogue to resolve outstanding issues without an environment that is free of terror and violence.
The two sides spelt out their views Tuesday as tensions continued on the Line of Control, with both accusing the other of violating the ceasefire. Bilateral ties have been strained after the killing of five Indian soldiers by what New Delhi says were Pakistan Army regulars acting in conjunction with terrorists.
The Indian government said it was “vital to uphold the sanctity of the LoC”, while noting this was “one of the most important CBMs (confidence-building measures) between the two countries, and unprovoked incidents on the LoC have “consequences for bilateral relations”.
External affairs minister Salman Khurshid was quoted by news agencies as saying on Tuesday that peace and tranquillity was needed on the border and that “we are
still in a sense of shock”.
Mr Sharif, in a message broadcast on television in Pakistan on Tuesday, continued to adopt a conciliatory approach, saying the two countries can become “good friends” and should “sit together to resolve all outstanding issues in a a friendly manner and in a peaceful atmosphere”.
The Pakistan PM also said the two nations “must hold each others’ hands... (and) sit together with an open and clean heart”.
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