Gilani, Singh likely to meet in Nov

NEW YORK: There’s a strong possibility that Indian and Pakistani prime ministers could meet on the sidelines of the Commonwealth heads of government meeting, which is scheduled in late November inTrinidad, diplomatic sources told Dawn.

This would be a follow-up of the two-day talks between their foreign ministers and foreign secretaries in New York during the weekend.

The meetings on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly were the first high-level contacts between the two countries since their prime ministers met at the Egyptian resort of Sharm El-Sheikh in July.

When asked about the next round of talks at a briefing on Sunday, Indian Foreign Minister S.M. Krishna said: ‘We have just come out of one (meeting). So, give us some time.’

While talking to the Pakistani media, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi also indicated that the next logical opportunity for another meeting would be the Commonwealth summit.

Mr Qureshi said he was willing to travel to India himself if this might improve public sentiment there towards engagement.

After his 100-minute meeting with his Indian counterpart, Mr Qureshi indicated that despite an apparently lukewarm response from the Indians, the fresh attempt to improve ties soured by last November’s militant attacks in Mumbai was gathering momentum.’ I have suggested to my counterpart a way forward and a roadmap for the future.’

SOURCE: dawn.com