Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=1/27/04

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=INDIA / PAKISTAN TALKS (L ONLY)

NUMBER=2-312338

BYLINE=AYAZ GUL

DATELINE=ISLAMABAD

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Pakistan says bilateral talks with India to settle disputes between the nuclear-armed rivals will resume next month. As Ayaz Gul reports from Islamabad, the main issue straining relations involves the mountain territory of Kashmir - the cause of two wars.

TEXT: The decision to resume dialogue follows the milestone meeting between Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee earlier this month in Islamabad.

Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesman, Masood Khan, announced the decision.

/// KHAN ACT 1 ///

The governments of Pakistan and India have agreed to hold talks in Islamabad from 16 to 18 February, 2004, on the commencement of the process of composite dialogue.

/// END ACT ///

He says the meeting will be between foreign ministry officials (foreign-secretary level).

While there is not yet a set agenda, Mr. Khan called for both India and Pakistan to keep an open mind going into the negotiations.

/// KHAN ACT 2 ///

There can not be any unilateral flexibility. When one side shows flexibility, the other side has to show matching reciprocal flexibility.

/// END ACT ///

The disputed territory of Kashmir is likely to be a major focus of the talks.

Previous talks between the two neighboring countries deadlocked over Kashmir, which both sides claim in its entirety.

India had accused Pakistan of supporting a 13-year Islamic militant insurgency in Indian Kashmir - which Pakistan has denied.

But observers say these talks could lead to a breakthrough, since both sides are showing new flexibility. India has agreed to direct talks and Pakistan has recently indicated a willingness to adjust its position in discussions on the Kashmir question. (SIGNED)

NEB/HK/AG/JJ/RAE