ID :
13433
Wed, 07/23/2008 - 10:39
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http://m.oananews.org//node/13433
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India, Pak agree on slew of CBMs
New Delhi, Jul 23 (PTI) India and Pakistan Monday agreed on a slew of cross-LoC Confidence Building Measures (C.B.Ms.), including increasing frequency of Srinagar-Muzaffarabad andPoonch-Rawalkot bus services.
The measures were agreed at the talks between ForeignSecretaries of the two countries held here.
The frequency of Srinagar-Muzaffarabad and Poonch- Rawalkot bus services will be increased from fortnightly toweekly starting Aug 21 and Aug 25 respectively.
The two sides also agreed to facilitate crossing of citizens on Uri-Hajipir border and to enhance the number ofpersons allowed to cross to 60.
They also decided to designate the Rawalkot Deputy Commissioner and Jammu Regional Passport Officer as authorities responsible for issuing travel documents forpassengers travelling on the Rawalkot-Poonch bus.
The meeting between Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon and his Pakistani counterpart Salman Bashir also decided to take steps to reduce processing time for applications on bothsides.
On the cross-LoC trade, India and Pakistan exchanged list of commodities with zero tariff regime and to begin implementation, each side will indicate the items they werewilling to receive.
Visits by representatives of Commerce Chambers from both sides would take place as soon as possible to recommendthe modalities of trade.
The operation of the Tithwal-Chiliana crossing point will be effective from May to November of every year in viewof problems of accessibility during winters.
In case of emergencies such as death of close relatives,clearance will be processed within a week, the meeting agreed.
Stay on either side of the Line of Control (L.o.C.) in such cases will be for a week, effective from October one thisyear.
Triple entry points will be introduced from October one and a separate form for the purpose has been agreed upon. But all three entries will be allowed only from the same crossing point. The facility, however, will be available automaticallyfor senior citizens and accompanying spouses.
The designated authorities from both sides will hold monthly coordination meetings, with provision to conveneurgent meetings whenever required.
They would also start accepting applications by e-mail from October one, to be backed up with hard copies. They would also reconcile data regarding crossings regularly, the meeting decided. PTI
The measures were agreed at the talks between ForeignSecretaries of the two countries held here.
The frequency of Srinagar-Muzaffarabad and Poonch- Rawalkot bus services will be increased from fortnightly toweekly starting Aug 21 and Aug 25 respectively.
The two sides also agreed to facilitate crossing of citizens on Uri-Hajipir border and to enhance the number ofpersons allowed to cross to 60.
They also decided to designate the Rawalkot Deputy Commissioner and Jammu Regional Passport Officer as authorities responsible for issuing travel documents forpassengers travelling on the Rawalkot-Poonch bus.
The meeting between Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon and his Pakistani counterpart Salman Bashir also decided to take steps to reduce processing time for applications on bothsides.
On the cross-LoC trade, India and Pakistan exchanged list of commodities with zero tariff regime and to begin implementation, each side will indicate the items they werewilling to receive.
Visits by representatives of Commerce Chambers from both sides would take place as soon as possible to recommendthe modalities of trade.
The operation of the Tithwal-Chiliana crossing point will be effective from May to November of every year in viewof problems of accessibility during winters.
In case of emergencies such as death of close relatives,clearance will be processed within a week, the meeting agreed.
Stay on either side of the Line of Control (L.o.C.) in such cases will be for a week, effective from October one thisyear.
Triple entry points will be introduced from October one and a separate form for the purpose has been agreed upon. But all three entries will be allowed only from the same crossing point. The facility, however, will be available automaticallyfor senior citizens and accompanying spouses.
The designated authorities from both sides will hold monthly coordination meetings, with provision to conveneurgent meetings whenever required.
They would also start accepting applications by e-mail from October one, to be backed up with hard copies. They would also reconcile data regarding crossings regularly, the meeting decided. PTI
