Pak Asks US to Mediate for Resumption of Composite Dialogue
The US has promised Pakistan to support all efforts for the early resumption of the Composite Dialogue with India even as Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani appealed to it to enhance his country’s defence capability to “maintain balance of power” in the region.
In a meeting with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who is currently on a visit to Pakistan, Gilani asked the US to mediate “between Pakistan and India on core interests i.e. Kashmir (and) water issues as well as help Pakistan enhance its defence capability to maintain balance of power,” a statement issued by the PM’s office on Wednesday night said.
Clinton was quoted in the statement as admiring Gilani “for his stance of reconciliation and the desire for improving relations with India through resolution of all outstanding issues by resuming the composite dialogue”.
Clinton said that that though she knew that “it is a difficult process, the US government would support efforts for early resumption of the composite dialogue”.
It may be mentioned that composite dialogue was put on hold by India following the Mumbai terror attacks, which said that the peace process would be resumed after action is taken against the perpetrators of the assault.
According to information, Pakistani officials have expressed concern about recent big ticket defence deals concluded by India, saying they alter the balance of power in the region.
Pakistan has also called on the US to provide it sophisticated military equipment needed for the war on terror, but India has said such weapons could be used against it.
