Pak FS hopeful of bridging differences with India

Pakistan Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir arrived in New Delhi for talks affirming that he was hopeful of a 'positive outcome'.

Pakistan Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir arrived here on Wednesday for talks on Thursday affirming that he was hopeful of a “positive outcome” but it was clear that India was not expecting any breakthrough given the “trust-deficit” post Mumbai terror attacks.

“It is good to be back. I have come here to bridge the differences. I am hopeful of a positive outcome,” said Bashir,who is heading a five-member delegation,on his arrival at Delhi international airport.

Ahead of the talks between Bashir and his Indian counterpart Nirupama Rao,both sides were wary of pre-judging the outcome but sources here said New Delhi was “fully conscious of the limitations imposed by trust deficit post-Mumbai(attacks).”

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However,the sources said,India was not “pre-judging the outcome”,a view echoed by the Pakistan Foreign Secretary,who in Lahore prior to his departure for India,said it was better not to view the talks “from the point of success or failure.” It would be better to wait till on Thursday,he said.

Issuing a statement on Bashir’s arrival,External Affairs Ministry said during his stay,the Pakistani Foreign Secretary is also scheduled to call on minister S M Krishna and National Security Advisor Shiv Shankar Menon.

Indicating the sharp diversions of view on key issues,sources here said no joint statement,after the talks,was contemplated.

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