Pakistan to hold talks with open mind: FO

ISLAMABAD Pakistan will enter into the talks process with India with open mind and heart to make it result oriented and to bring prosperity to the region comprising almost 1.25 billion people, Foreign office said on Thursday.
On Thursday, a large number of media men associated with national and international media organisations were present to cover the Foreign Offices briefing and they were eager to hear something related to Pakistan-India dialogues. Spokesperson of the Foreign Office, Abd-ul-Basit told the news men that Pakistan had decided to resume peace process as it had always wished that the dove (symbol of peace) should keep on flying in the sky.
Pakistan has decided to resume talks with its neighbour, however pre-conditions for resumption of the dialogue would be counterproductive. Abd-ul-Basit told the reporters.
When contacted by this correspondent on Thursday evening, Foreign Minister, Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that Pakistan wanted to promote peace in the region as only peaceful atmosphere could ensure prosperity in the region.
Qureshi hinted 25 February as beginning of much awaited dialogue process between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. However, he did not confirm it.
We do not have too many concerns regarding dates. February 25 is not a bad date for resumption of talks, he told this correspondent with a smiling tone.
It is pertinent to note that Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani made it public that India is not ready to make ' Kashmir issue as part of upcoming secretary-level talks. However, he said, Pakistan is still hoping that India will include 'Kashmir issue in the talks.
Kashmir dispute should come under discussion in the composite dialogues between Pakistan and India and we are still waiting for final response of India in this regard, he said.
During the briefing, the Foreign Office spokesperson told the reporters that Palestinian President, Mahmood Abbas would reach Pakistan on Friday. He informed the media men that the honourable guest would hold official meetings with President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister, Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani and discuss the situation of Middle East, regional and international issues and matters of mutual interests. He further added that Pakistan supported the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state with Al- Quds as its capital.
Regarding the statement uttered by the Indus Water Commissioner, the spokesperson was optimistic that India would cooperate in resolving the water conflict.
On involvement of India in the Fata and Balochistan, the spokesperson said that Pakistan would take up this issue with India during the upcoming talks.
However, the spokesperson refused to comment when asked that whether or not the Government would initiate dialogue with the Taliban.
Abd-ul-Basit made it loud and clear that Pakistans Ambassador to the United States had been told to take up the case of Dr Aafia afresh.
We intend to pursue this matter through diplomatic and legal channels. Our Embassy in Washington is vigorously pursuing the matter in consultations with Dr. Siddiquis family and the defence lawyers team, he added.
The Foreign Minister will also attend the 7th Worldwide Security Conference at the World Customs Organization and he will also give a keynote address there, he added.