Islamabad, July 15: India's high commissioner-designate to Pakistan Shiv Shankar Menon arrived here today declaring peace between the two countries was possible despite intractable problems as New Delhi and Islamabad moved closer to resume full diplomatic ties after an 18-month break. Menon told mediapersons soon after crossing into Pakistan from Wagah, where he was given a warm reception by Pakistani officials and Indian diplomats posted in Islamabad, that he would make best efforts for creating a conductive atmosphere to promote good ties between the two neighbours.

"My task is to create an environment for peaceful and friendly relations with Pakistan," he said adding his arrival in Pakistan was in itself a positive development. Asked if the two countries could live in peace, Menon said, " Certainly peace is possible between India and Pakistan. My agenda is to normalise relations between India and Pakistan."

He said a number of initiatives have been taken to normalise Indo-Pak relations like provision of visa facilities and resumption of Delhi-Lahore bus service.

Restoration of air and rail links are high on his agenda, Menon said. Bureau Report