Qureshi says India not ready to discuss specifics

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Friday said that India is not ready to discuss specifics related to bilateral issues bedevilling ties between the two countries, and added that Islamabad is in no hurry to engage New Delhi again unless the dialogue is result oriented.

Qureshi’s latest statement came a day after he had participated in a rather acrimonious joint press conference with his Indian counterpart S.M.Krishna.

Qureshi said that for Pakistan Kashmir security continues to be the core issue.

He said Islamabad wanted a roadmap for the future, but New Delhi, it seemed, did not have the mandate to commit to such a roadmap.

“India was narrowing the dialogue and we said you cannot be selective,” Qureshi told news reporters on Friday.

He also accused the Indian delegation of not being fully prepared for the dialogue, saying that Krishna seemed to be having difficulty as he had to constantly consult with and be directed by New Delhi during the talks in Islamabad yesterday.

“Indian Foreign Minister received foreign policy directions from New Delhi repeatedly during our meeting,” said Qureshi.

Qureshi’s criticism comes hours after External Affairs Minister S M Krishna told the media in Islamabad that he was ’satisfied’ with talks, and that India would take the process forward when Qureshi visited New Delhi later in the year.

Krishna, who has arrived in the Indian capital, is scheduled to address an improptu news conference at the airport before heading for a meeting with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

A reaction to Quresh’s statement is expected from the Indian Government. (ANI)