Confident Sinha turns down EU offer for help

External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha today said he is optimistic about the results of the three-day official-level talks being held at I...

External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha today said he is optimistic about the results of the three-day official-level talks being held at Islamabad for the resumption of the composite dialogue process.

‘‘I am optimistic about the outcome of this round of talks. These are preliminary discussions on issues relating to the agenda, level of talks and the time-frame in which the talks will be held,’’ Sinha said after the India-EU Troika Ministerial Meeting here.

However, he politely turned down Irish Foreign Minister Brian Cowen’s offer — on behalf of the EU — to be of assistance in the negotiations between India and Pakistan. While saying India has made its position clear on third party mediation, Sinha said: ‘‘These are best resolved bilaterally between India and Pakistan.’’

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Asked about the EU’s response to the admissions by Pakistani scientist A.Q. Khan on his involvement in passing sensitive technology to N Korea, Libya and Iran, Cowen said: ‘‘This is an international issue in which many nationalities are involved. Steps have to be taken to ensure that WMDs do not reach the wrong hands.’’

Meanwhile, South Block officials said the first day’s talks between Joint Secretary (Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran) Arun K. Singh and Pakistan’s Director General for South Asia Jalil Abbas Jilani, were cordial and constructive. ‘‘The delegations discussed modalities and time-frame for the resumption of dialogue. Discussions will continue tomorrow. Both sides expressed satisfaction on the progress made,’’ an MEA spokesperson said.

India today announced the release and repatriation of eight Pakistani nationals detained in Gujarat and Faridkot.

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