Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=09/05/04

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=INDIA PAKISTAN TALKS DAY ONE (L-O)

NUMBER=2-318751

BYLINE=RAVI KHANNA

DATELINE=NEW DELHI

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

HEADLINE: India and Pakistan Talks Underway

INTRO: Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers have ended the first day of peace talks in New Delhi on a satisfactory note. VOAs Ravi Khanna has filed the story from the Indian capital.

TEXT: Before bringing their delegations face to face, Indian Foreign Minister Natwar Singh and his Pakistani counterpart Khursheed Ahmed Kasuri had a one-on-one meeting for more than one hour.

Later India's Foreign Ministry spokesman, Navtej Sarna, told reporters the talks went well.

/// SARNA ACT ///

"The meetings were held in a friendly, cordial, affable and constructive atmosphere."

/// END ACT ///

Mr. Sarna refused to elaborate on the agenda. But Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesman Masood Khan said that both India's allegations of cross-border militant infiltration into Indian Kashmir and the Kashmir dispute itself were discussed.

/// KHAN ACT ///

"Kashmir is a central issue between India and Pakistan . It has been discussed frequently. Let us hope that this current phase of engagement between the two countries leads to a just and lasting solution of the Kashmir dispute."

/// END ACT ///

Kashmir remains divided between the two neighbors, who each claim the entire region.

A joint press statement said the two sides reviewed the progress made in the eight meetings held last month. The issues ranged from easing tensions at the Siachen Glacier border region to cultural exchanges between the two nuclear-capable neighbors.

/// REST OPT ///

Before the two ministers began their talks they told reporters that improving bilateral relations is crucial for the betterment of the South Asia region.

Mr. Kasuri said.

/// KASURI ACT ///

"We feel that good relations with India are in the interest of Pakistan and we hope that your (Indian) government thinks likewise."

/// END ACT ///

India's Foreign Minister Singh agreed.

/// SINGH ACT ///

"As Mr. Kasuri said it is in our interest to have peace and a little goodwill in our relationship and that is our objective at the meeting."

/// END ACT ///

The two ministers are slated to meet again Monday to prepare for a meeting between Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh and Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf at the United Nations later this month. (SIGNED)

NEB/RK/RAE