Islamabad: The political leaders of India
and Pakistan should build "bridges and not walls" as talks are
the only way forward for the two neighbouring countries, Prime
Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said on Friday.
"Talks (between the two countries) are imperative and
politicians should build bridges and not walls," Gilani told
reporters here on the sidelines of a function marking the
inauguration of the new stock exchange.
Gilani lauded his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh`s
statement in Parliament about dialogue being the only option
for the two countries to improve their relations.
"Manmohan Singh sahab very boldly presented his views
in Parliament and I appreciate that. It is proof of his
leadership and wisdom that he understands that talks are the
only way forward. There can be no other alternate," he said.
Asked whether he had raised Pakistan`s concerns about
India`s alleged "interference" in Balochistan province during
his meeting with Singh in Egypt on July 16, Gilani said he had
"mentioned our concerns" to the Indian Prime Minister.
Gilani quoted Singh as saying that all issues between
the two countries would be resolved through negotiations.
Replying to another question on whether Pakistan had
provided evidence of India allegedly fomenting unrest in the
southwestern province, Gilani said: "As far as Balochistan is
concerned, when we start the composite dialogue, it will come
up for discussions and we will give them information."
He did not give details.
Gilani said he had assured Singh that Pakistan had
started taking action on information contained in the Indian
dossier on the Mumbai attacks.
"We have asked for further information and he has
agreed to give it. When they give us further information, I
assure through the media that we will do justice," he added.
Asked about Pakistan`s position on the composite
dialogue, which India put on hold after the Mumbai attacks in
November last year, Gilani said Pakistan believed that
terrorists would be strengthened if the peace process is not
started again.
"We don`t want to encourage terrorists," he said.
Gilani said the "way forward" would be established
through upcoming meetings of the Foreign Secretaries and
Foreign Ministers of the two countries. The Foreign Ministers
would meet on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in
September, he said.
Bureau Report
