Pakistan, India conclude first round of terrorism, prisoner exchange talks
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Islamabad, May 31, IRNA
Pakistan-India-Talks
Senior Pakistani and Indian officials concluded their first round of two-day talks here on counter- terrorism, drug control and exchange of civilian prisoners.
Pakistani officials said that the two sides discussed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) under which the two countries will have to inform each other about the arrest of those who mistakenly cross their land or water boundaries.
According to the draft of the MoU, the prisoners will be freed within three months.
The two sides also discussed ways to enhance cooperation between the Indian Criminal Bureau of Investigation and Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency.
Officials from the two sides do not expect any major breakthrough in the talks but are hopeful of some progress on various issues.
The issue of civilian prisoners prominently figured in the talks, officials said.
Pakistan officials say there are some 537 Indian prisoners in Pakistan and many have already had counselor access.
On the other hand, reports suggest that 472 Pakistani prisoners are languishing in Indian jails and the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi has had counselor access to many of these prisoners.
The Pakistani side was headed by Secretary of the Interior Syed Kamal Shah while Home Secretary V K Dugal led the 14-member Indian delegation.
The meeting is part of the composite dialogue process initiated by the two countries in January 2004 to resolve all outstanding issues, including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.
Officials said a joint statement would be issued upon the conclusion of the talks on Wednesday.
2020/235/2321/1414
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