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Indian delegation in Pak with message of peace
Islamabad, Aug 09: In the latest efforts to normalise relations between the two countries, an Indian delegation of parliamentarians and journalists arrived in Pakistan with the message of peace and brotherhood.
Islamabad, Aug 09: In the latest efforts to normalise relations between the two countries, an Indian delegation of parliamentarians and journalists arrived in Pakistan with the message of peace and brotherhood.
"We are not carrying any official message. We are
here to show our brothers and sisters in Pakistan that we are
sincere in having peace.... we are here to undo the bitterness
between Pakistan and India," RJD leader Laloo Prasad Yadav
told reporters as the delegation crossed over to Pakistan from
Wagah border on a three-day visit to the country.
"We have come here to promote peace," he said adding "there is no such issue, which can't be settled through dialogue".
The largest ever delegation to visit Pakistan after Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee extended a hand of friendship in April comprises around 20 MPs, including from BJP, and ten journalists.
They were warmly received by Pakistani officials, lawmakers and senior journalists as they entered Pakistan.
During their stay, the delegation is expected to meet President Pervez Musharraf and an array of high profile politicians and social leaders to discuss wide-ranging bilateral issues.
The delegation will also attend a seminar titled 'Parliamentarians, journalist and experts conference on understanding confidence building and conflict resolution' organised by South Asia Free Media Association (Safma) here.
Besides Yadav, other members of the delegation include Mani Shankar Aiyer (Cong), Balbir Punj (BJP), Ram Vilas Paswan (Lok Janshakti), Ram Jethmalani and senior journalist Dileep Padgaonkar.
"Our visit shows that we want peace," Yadav said adding the "two countries must focus on poverty alleviation".
Jethmalani, who is also convenor of Kashmir committee, said, "they are plenty of solutions to the Kashmir issue. It is up to us to seek possible ways out." Emphasising on the need for people-to-people contact, Jethmalani said, "While standing on this side of the border, I do not see any difference between people of the two countries."
The Pakistani participants at the seminar have been drawn from a wide spectrum of political opinion, ranging from the governing Muslim League party to hardline Islamic groups.
"We have come here to promote peace," he said adding "there is no such issue, which can't be settled through dialogue".
The largest ever delegation to visit Pakistan after Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee extended a hand of friendship in April comprises around 20 MPs, including from BJP, and ten journalists.
They were warmly received by Pakistani officials, lawmakers and senior journalists as they entered Pakistan.
During their stay, the delegation is expected to meet President Pervez Musharraf and an array of high profile politicians and social leaders to discuss wide-ranging bilateral issues.
The delegation will also attend a seminar titled 'Parliamentarians, journalist and experts conference on understanding confidence building and conflict resolution' organised by South Asia Free Media Association (Safma) here.
Besides Yadav, other members of the delegation include Mani Shankar Aiyer (Cong), Balbir Punj (BJP), Ram Vilas Paswan (Lok Janshakti), Ram Jethmalani and senior journalist Dileep Padgaonkar.
"Our visit shows that we want peace," Yadav said adding the "two countries must focus on poverty alleviation".
Jethmalani, who is also convenor of Kashmir committee, said, "they are plenty of solutions to the Kashmir issue. It is up to us to seek possible ways out." Emphasising on the need for people-to-people contact, Jethmalani said, "While standing on this side of the border, I do not see any difference between people of the two countries."
The Pakistani participants at the seminar have been drawn from a wide spectrum of political opinion, ranging from the governing Muslim League party to hardline Islamic groups.
Bureau Report