DATE=8/14/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=INDIA/PAKISTAN (L)
NUMBER=2-252792
BYLINE=ANJANA PASRICHA
DATELINE=NEW DELHI
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: India has offered to release eight Pakistani
prisoners of war captured during the recent fighting
in Kashmir. Anjana Pasricha reports from New Delhi,
the offer comes as tensions have increased between the
two countries following two air clashes, earlier this
week.
Text: India called its offer to release the prisoners
of war a gesture of goodwill. The eight prisoners of
war were captured during the eight weeks of fighting
in Kashmir this summer.
India's foreign ministry spokesman says the gesture
has nothing to do with easing tensions that have
resurfaced following this week's air clashes. He says
it has been made to coincide with Pakistan's
Independence Day of August 14th.
But observers say the decision to release the
prisoners of war is a signal to Western nations India
is interested in lowering tensions. It also is seen
as an attempt to recover some of the diplomatic
goodwill New Delhi might have lost after it shot down
a Pakistani naval aircraft, Tuesday. India said the
aircraft intruded deep into Indian territory, in
violation of a 1991 agreement between the two
countries. Pakistan denied the incursion.
Analysts say New Delhi also hopes the release will
force Islamabad to admit its troops were involved in
armed incursions by Muslim guerrillas in Himalayan
territory. Pakistan denies New Delhi's assertion most
of the intruders were Pakistani soldiers.
Meanwhile, Indian officials are stressing New Delhi
intends to exercise restraint in its policy
toward Islamabad, despite the latest crisis.
The statements come after several countries urged both
Pakistan and New Delhi to cool heightened tensions.
India's foreign ministry spokesman, Raminder Jassal,
says Islamabad must respect bilateral agreements
between the two countries.
///JASSAL ACTUALITY///
We do quite understand that restraint should be
exercised but the counsel of restraint indeed should
be addressed to a party that has violated bilateral
commitments and confidence building measures.
///END ACTUALITY///
India says it wants a dialogue with Pakistan, but will
not tolerate what it terms as provocations. Several
countries are urging both nations to hold talks to
lower tensions. But India faces general elections next
month and a dialogue is unlikely to get underway until
a new government comes to power in mid-October.
(signed)
Neb / wd / wd
14-Aug-1999 06:56 AM LOC (14-Aug-1999 1056 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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