Pak sees no change in peace process

Pakistan expressed confidence on Thursday that India’s next government will press ahead with a peace process promoted by outgoing Prime...

Pakistan expressed confidence on Thursday that India’s next government will press ahead with a peace process promoted by outgoing Prime Minister A.B. Vajpayee.

Pakistani politicians privately regarded Vajpayee as one of the few Indian leaders they were comfortable talking to.

But with Sonia Gandhi’s Congress party about to take power in New Delhi, Islamabad quickly pointed out that the desire for peace between the nuclear-armed neighbours was bigger than any single personality.

Story continues below this ad

Foreign Minister Khursheed Mehmood Kasuri praised Vajpayee’s role in initiating the process, then added: ‘‘I am confident this process will be carried forward by the next government of India. The process that has been initiated by Pakistan and India enjoys the support of the people and the political parties of both countries, including the Congress party.’’

Kasuri said the change in government should not affect the timetable for a roadmap to peace agreed by the two countries. ‘‘Even if there some delay…I don’t think it is going to be too long,’’ he told a news briefing.

Meanwhile, Congress spokeswoman Ambika Soni said: ‘‘We in Congress party have always held that the only way to resolve issues with our neighbours is through dialogue.’’ — (Reuters)