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Journalism of Courage
In an apparent response to Indias move to focus on fresh evidence linking the ISI to the Mumbai attacks during the Foreign Secretary-level talks,Pakistan today said it was imperative to address the core issue of Kashmir in the upcoming dialogue.
Pakistans stand was formulated during a meeting between Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir and representatives of the Kashmiri leadership.
Bashir met the leaders for consultations ahead of his planned meeting with his Indian counterpart,which is expected to be held in Islamabad later this month.
It was agreed that Jammu and Kashmir is the core issue and it was imperative to address this issue effectively and in a purposeful manner in the forthcoming dialogue with India, said a brief statement issued by Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson Tehmina Janjua after the meeting.
Bashir held in-depth consultations on all aspects of the Jammu and Kashmir issue with the Kashmiri leaders,the statement said.
The statement,however,did not disclose the identity of the Kashmiri leaders.
Indian Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao is expected to visit Islamabad by the end of the month for talks with Bashir that will focus on the Kashmir issue,peace and security and confidence-building measures.
