ID :
171652
Tue, 03/29/2011 - 16:52
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Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/171652
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India-Pakistan Joint Statement reiterates commitment to fight terrorism in all forms
New Delhi, March 29, 2011 (PPI): Pakistan and India Tuesday reiterated their commitment to fight terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and reaffirmed the need to bring those responsible for such crimes to justice.
The two countries agreed to set up a Hotline between Indian Home Secretary and Pakistan’s Interior Secretary to facilitate real time information sharing with respect to terrorist threats, according to the joint statement issued after two day India-Pakistan Home/Interior Secretary level talks which concluded in New Delhi today. Indian delegation was led by Gopal K. Pillai, Home Secretary of India and Pakistan delegation was headed by Qamar Zaman Chaudhary, Interior Secretary. The two sides took forward the dialogue process on several issues.
Following is text of joint statement: “The meeting was held in pursuance of the decision taken in Thimphu (Bhutan) in February 2011 by Governments of Pakistan and India, to resume dialogue process and in backdrop of bilateral meeting between Home Minister of India and Interior Minister of Pakistan held in Islamabad on June 25-26, 2010. The meeting was held in a cordial and friendly atmosphere. Both sides exchanged views on decisions taken in the last round of talks held in Islamabad in 2008.
It was agreed that it was important for both sides to remain engaged on outstanding issues and henceforth Home/Interior Secretary level talks would be held bi-annually. Both sides agreed to set up a Hotline between Home Secretary of India and Interior Secretary of Pakistan to facilitate real time information sharing with respect to terrorist threats.
Both sides reiterated their commitment to fight terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and reaffirmed the need to bring those responsible for such crimes to justice. Pakistan side provided updates on ongoing trial and investigation in Pakistan on Mumbai terror attacks. Pakistan conveyed its readiness, in principle, based upon principle of comity and reciprocity, to entertain a Commission from India with respect to Mumbai Terror Attack investigations. Modalities and composition in this connection will be worked out through diplomatic channels. Dates for the visit of Judicial Commission from Pakistan in connection with Mumbai attack trial will be conveyed by India within four-six weeks. NIA and FIA will continue to cooperate in Mumbai terror attack investigations.
India provided information on on-going Samjhota Express blast case investigation. It was also agreed that after filing of report in the court, updated information will be shared with concerned Pakistan authorities.
Both sides noted and welcomed release of prisoners and fishermen by each other since the last round of talks. It was agreed that both sides would release by April 15, 2011 those civilian prisoners/fishermen who have completed their sentence, whose nationality status has been confirmed by the respective Governments and whose travel documents have been received. Complete list of prisoners in each others’ custody will be exchanged by both sides on July 1, 2011.
Both sides agreed that problem and issues of inadvertent crossers should be viewed sympathetically, and in a focused and sensitive manner. Accordingly, both sides also agreed to task Coast Guard of India & Pakistan Maritime Security Agency to work on setting up a mechanism for release of inadvertent crossers (fishermen) and their boats on same lines as the inadvertent crossers on land. Group will submit its report to Home/Interior Secretaries before the next round of talks.
Both sides commended work done by Judicial Committee on Prisoners for the release, repatriation and humane treatment of prisoners and agreed on need for its continuation. The next meeting of Judicial Committee would be held from April 19-23, 2011 in Pakistan.
Both sides shared concern of growing menace of Narcotics/Drugs and agreed that cooperation between NCB of India & ANF of Pakistan should be enhanced to ensure an effective control on drug trafficking. It was further agreed that talks between DG, NCB & DG ANF would be held annually. Indian side accepted invitation for DG NCB to visit Pakistan in May 2011 for talks with DG ANF.
The MoU on Drug Demand Reduction & Prevention of Illicit Trafficking in Narcotics Drugs, Psychotropic Substances & Precursor Chemicals and related matters’ as finalized will be formally signed at next DG level meeting of NCB-ANF in May 2011. It was decided that CBI & FIA will schedule a meeting to work out technical details of moving forward on issues of human trafficking, counterfeit currency, cyber crimes & Red Corner Notices (RCNs).
Both sides agreed to set up a Joint Working Group to examine modalities for streamlining visa procedure/modalities and for giving a final shape to revision of the Bilateral Visa Agreement.
Interior Secretary of Pakistan invited Home Secretary of India for next Home/Interior Secretary level Talks in Pakistan. The invitation was accepted. Both sides agreed that visit of Interior Minister of Pakistan to India will take place on mutually convenient dates, to be decided through diplomatic channels.”
The two countries agreed to set up a Hotline between Indian Home Secretary and Pakistan’s Interior Secretary to facilitate real time information sharing with respect to terrorist threats, according to the joint statement issued after two day India-Pakistan Home/Interior Secretary level talks which concluded in New Delhi today. Indian delegation was led by Gopal K. Pillai, Home Secretary of India and Pakistan delegation was headed by Qamar Zaman Chaudhary, Interior Secretary. The two sides took forward the dialogue process on several issues.
Following is text of joint statement: “The meeting was held in pursuance of the decision taken in Thimphu (Bhutan) in February 2011 by Governments of Pakistan and India, to resume dialogue process and in backdrop of bilateral meeting between Home Minister of India and Interior Minister of Pakistan held in Islamabad on June 25-26, 2010. The meeting was held in a cordial and friendly atmosphere. Both sides exchanged views on decisions taken in the last round of talks held in Islamabad in 2008.
It was agreed that it was important for both sides to remain engaged on outstanding issues and henceforth Home/Interior Secretary level talks would be held bi-annually. Both sides agreed to set up a Hotline between Home Secretary of India and Interior Secretary of Pakistan to facilitate real time information sharing with respect to terrorist threats.
Both sides reiterated their commitment to fight terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and reaffirmed the need to bring those responsible for such crimes to justice. Pakistan side provided updates on ongoing trial and investigation in Pakistan on Mumbai terror attacks. Pakistan conveyed its readiness, in principle, based upon principle of comity and reciprocity, to entertain a Commission from India with respect to Mumbai Terror Attack investigations. Modalities and composition in this connection will be worked out through diplomatic channels. Dates for the visit of Judicial Commission from Pakistan in connection with Mumbai attack trial will be conveyed by India within four-six weeks. NIA and FIA will continue to cooperate in Mumbai terror attack investigations.
India provided information on on-going Samjhota Express blast case investigation. It was also agreed that after filing of report in the court, updated information will be shared with concerned Pakistan authorities.
Both sides noted and welcomed release of prisoners and fishermen by each other since the last round of talks. It was agreed that both sides would release by April 15, 2011 those civilian prisoners/fishermen who have completed their sentence, whose nationality status has been confirmed by the respective Governments and whose travel documents have been received. Complete list of prisoners in each others’ custody will be exchanged by both sides on July 1, 2011.
Both sides agreed that problem and issues of inadvertent crossers should be viewed sympathetically, and in a focused and sensitive manner. Accordingly, both sides also agreed to task Coast Guard of India & Pakistan Maritime Security Agency to work on setting up a mechanism for release of inadvertent crossers (fishermen) and their boats on same lines as the inadvertent crossers on land. Group will submit its report to Home/Interior Secretaries before the next round of talks.
Both sides commended work done by Judicial Committee on Prisoners for the release, repatriation and humane treatment of prisoners and agreed on need for its continuation. The next meeting of Judicial Committee would be held from April 19-23, 2011 in Pakistan.
Both sides shared concern of growing menace of Narcotics/Drugs and agreed that cooperation between NCB of India & ANF of Pakistan should be enhanced to ensure an effective control on drug trafficking. It was further agreed that talks between DG, NCB & DG ANF would be held annually. Indian side accepted invitation for DG NCB to visit Pakistan in May 2011 for talks with DG ANF.
The MoU on Drug Demand Reduction & Prevention of Illicit Trafficking in Narcotics Drugs, Psychotropic Substances & Precursor Chemicals and related matters’ as finalized will be formally signed at next DG level meeting of NCB-ANF in May 2011. It was decided that CBI & FIA will schedule a meeting to work out technical details of moving forward on issues of human trafficking, counterfeit currency, cyber crimes & Red Corner Notices (RCNs).
Both sides agreed to set up a Joint Working Group to examine modalities for streamlining visa procedure/modalities and for giving a final shape to revision of the Bilateral Visa Agreement.
Interior Secretary of Pakistan invited Home Secretary of India for next Home/Interior Secretary level Talks in Pakistan. The invitation was accepted. Both sides agreed that visit of Interior Minister of Pakistan to India will take place on mutually convenient dates, to be decided through diplomatic channels.”
