Satisfied Krishna rules out setting timeline for resolving Indo-Pak issues

NEW DELHI - External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna on Friday said that he was satisfied with the deliberations undertaken by the Indian and Pakistani delegations in Islamabad during his three-day visit, and ruled out fixing time lines for resolving bilateral issues between the two countries.

Addressing a news conference at the airport here soon after his arrival, Krishna, responding to questions arising out of statements made by his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi, said: “In diplomatic parleys, we don’t go by a timeline, unless it is absolutely necessary.”

“The kind of issues that we discussed, are of a serious nature. The question of a timeline is not possible, not feasible,” he added.

On the issue of Pakistan delivering the 26/11 probe, Krishna said that he and the Indian delegation did not insist on a timeline, but said that Pakistan must be seen to be taking visible action in the 26/11 case and its perpetrators to ensure that bilateral ties move forward.

“The very fact that I went to Islamabad, and that I talked about the core issues, I see it as a major gain. All issues were discussed in great detail,” Krishna said, adding that he had invited Foreign Minister Qureshi to visit India at the earliest to take the talks process forward.

When asked whether the mandate that was given to him was limited, and whether he had been outdone by Qureshi, Krishna said: “Well, I am not going to score debating points with Foreign Minister Qureshi. I would like to discuss serious issues. I think we have made some headway.”

He concluded by saying that he went to Islamabad with a fully prepared mandate and that he had confined himself to the mandate given to him as foreign minister. (ANI)