4. India-Pakistan Dialogue
Pakistan Foreign Minister Abdul Sattar stated that Pakistan was ready to stand by the July 4, 1999 agreement signed by then Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and US President Bill Clinton. The statement, never clearly endorsed by the government of Pakistan Chief Executive Pervez Musharraf, commits Pakistan to respect the sanctity of the Line of Control and to prevent armed individuals from illegally crossing the border.
"Pak admits it has duty to stop armed intrusions"
The Times of India reported that during a phone conversation between the Directors-General of Military Operations of India and Pakistan, the two countries agreed to stop efforts to change the Line of Control. The India Army gave orders to not engage in "retaliatory, speculative, planned and direct" firing upon Pakistani troops except in the cases of attempted infiltrations or self-defense. Pakistan was reported to have already violated the understanding.
"Army tells its J&K formations to hold fire"
In a meeting with All-Parties Hurriyat Conference leader Abdul Ghani Lone, Pakistan Chief Executive Pervez Musharraf stated that Kashmir was the core bilateral issue and there could be no solution without Pakistan's participation. Musharraf reportedly said that Pakistan would react positively if India "improved upon" its offer. Lone said he urged Musharraf to not reject the ceasefire and also stated, "India should participate in the proposed tripartite talks with Pakistan and Kashmiri representatives."
"Army announces ceasefire"
"India not serious to solve issue: Musharraf"
"Lone asks Pakistan to reconsider Indian truce offer"
"Lone urges India to attend tripartite talks"
A joint paper by the Institute of Regional Studies of Pakistan and the Indian International Center for Peace Initiatives proposed a five-stage approach to restoring bilateral negotiations between Pakistan and India.
"Indo-Pak track-II diplomacy to revive dialogue "