Fifth round of Indo-Pak composite dialogue begins

New Delhi, Jul 22 (PTI) - India and Pakistan Monday launched their fifth round of composite dialogue with foreign secretaries of the two countries meeting here to discuss the issues of terrorism, Jammu and Kashmir and various confidencebuilding measures (C.B.Ms).

Though the main focus of talks between Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon and his Pakistani counterpart Salman Bashir is on peace and security, Jammu and Kashmir and C.B.Ms, other issues like release of prisoners, visa relaxation, trade andcommerce will also come up for discussions.

With increasing infiltration bids and terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir in the recent past, India is expected topress Pakistan for concrete action in this regard.

India is also upset over the suicide attack at its embassy in Kabul earlier this month, which is believed to have been carried out by the Taliban in league with Pakistan'sI.S.I.

Bashir, who arrived for talks Sunday, has said that Pakistan wants "peaceful atmosphere on both sides." New Delhi is keen to take forward its ties with Islamabad and resolve all issues that divide the two countries but insists on creation of an atmosphere free of violence, which involves action against Pakistan-based terrorists. PTI AKK