11. India-Pakistan Dialogue
Pakistan formally proposed to India that the two countries resume stalled talks on the Kashmir issue. The Times of India reports that this is the first time Pakistan has officially proposed resumption of dialogue since the October 1999 military takeover. Chief Executive Pervez Musharraf emphasized that Pakistan was willing to have these negotiations go forward without international mediation. Pakistani President Rafiq Tarar said that "the dream of establishing durable peace in South Asia could not be realized unless the Kashmir issue is resolved in accordance with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people."
"Pak formally proposes talks with India"
"Kashmir ruining economy: Pakistan may forego mediation option, says CE"
"Kashmir issue settlement vital to peace: Tarar"
India rejected the invitation. An Indian Foreign Office spokesperson said that "the cessation of Pakistan's cross-border terrorism and the abandonment of its vicious propaganda are essential ingredients for any meaningful dialogue." Following India's rejection of the Pakistani offer, a Pakistan spokesperson announced that Attiya Inayatullah, a National Security Council member, would discuss the Kashmir issue with UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan on April 4.
"End terrorism first, says India"
"'Pak. must end vicious propaganda too'"
"Attiya to discuss Kashmir issue with UN Chief"
Analysis: an editorial in "Dawn" argues that India's rejection of the Pakistani offer to negotiate is unreasonable: "General Musharraf has just made an important gesture by saying that Pakistan will not insist on mediation but is ready to hold direct talks with India. What more does India want?" Another "Dawn" editorial begins, "'Unfortunate' is the first word which springs to mind after India's knee-jerk rejection of Pakistan's well-meant offer to hold talks." "The News" also emphasizes the positive and "statesmanlike elements" of the Pakistani offer that was made "at a peak tension time."
"The onus is on India"
"Turning away yet again"
"India's rejection"
Former Pakistan Foreign Secretary Niaz Naik visited Delhi on April 1. Rumors that he was engaging in "back-channel talks" with Indian officials were strongly denied by the Indian Foreign Office spokesperson.
"Niaz Naik on way to secret meet with Vajpayee'"
"No 'secret mission' with Pak."