Annan hails Indo-Pak talks

NEW YORK, Feb 20 (UNI) UN secretary-general Kofi Annan has termed the Indo-Pak talks at the level of foreign secretaries " positive developments" which would open a new era of cooperation and peaceful co-existence between the two countries.

"The secretary-general is greatly encouraged by the steady progress being made in the bilateral dialogue between India and Pakistan.

He is heartened by the agreement reached at the latest round of talks in Islamabad and the commitment reiterated to discuss and arrive at a peaceful settlement of all bilateral issues, including Jammu and Kashmir, to the satisfaction of both sides and the people concerned," a spokesman for the secretary-general said here yesterday.

The secretary-general considers these very positive developments as evidence of the determination of the two countries to settle all outstanding issues and to open a new era of cooperation and peaceful co-existence, he said.

"Once again, he encourages both sides to remain steady in this course and to approach the more difficult stages of the talks in a spirit of compromise and visionary statesmanship." Japan and China have also hailed the latest India-Pakistan accord in an upbeat fashion.

The Japanese government called it a "significant progress in relations between the two countries and for stability in the region" .

A statement here said the Japanese government " held in high regard the efforts taken by both countries since last year towards improving their relations" and hoped that " further progress will be achieved through the coming talks" .

At the same time, expressing hope that India and Pakistan will continue with the process of dialogue, China has termed the resumption of official-level talks between the two countries as a 'real solid step' for improving bilateral relations.

"China is glad to see that the peace talks between Pakistan and India held in Islamabad have been fruitful," Chinese news agency Xinhua quoted foreign ministry spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue as saying.