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| PC kicks off hope to break the ice between India and Pak | | |
ABID SHAH
NEW DELHI, FEB 1: Union Home Minister P Chidambaram has indicated the possibility of a bilateral exchange of views between India and Pakistan in case he is able to visit the neighbouring country which is hosting a three-day conference of Home Minister of South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries.
The conference begins from February 20 in Pakistan and today Chidambaram was answering reporter’s questions after presenting the monthly report card of his Ministry as he does on the last day of every month. He interacted with media persons today to present the account of the first month of 2010 since yesterday was a Sunday.
"If I presume that I go to Pakistan, I presume I will hold bilateral talks if there is an opportunity but please remember that SAARC is a multi-lateral forum," said Chidambaram in reply to a question.
Nevertheless, this brief comment has ignited hope that Chidambaram may hold talks with his counterpart in Islamabad while visiting Pakistan.
As for now the pros and cons of his visit are being weighed at the top most level here and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is yet to give his nod for the visit.
In case Chidambaram visits Pakistan he would be assiduously watched since the deadlock between the two countries over bilateral negotiations besets their ties after Mumbai attacks that took place 14 months ago from now.
Today Chidambaram also indicated that prior preparedness on the part of the Indian security forces has been able to preempt at least ten bids on the part of the militants to cross over from Pakistan into Jammu and Kashmir.
Home Minister’s approach focused towards taking on challenges on the security front has been paying. This is what Chidambaram meant though it remains to be seen how he presents this before the Pakistani side in case he is able to visit that country as per the expectations here.
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