This Article is From Sep 07, 2012

SM Krishna on a 3-day visit to Pak; visa, cultural agreements may be signed

SM Krishna on a 3-day visit to Pak; visa, cultural agreements may be signed
Foreign Minister SM Krishna has arrived in Islamabad for a three-day visit which is expected to determine whether or not Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will go to Pakistan soon. While the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has accepted Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari's invitation in principle, he has also said the 26/11 trial is crucial test for Islamabad and that he will only go "in the right atmosphere".

Government sources say any visit by Dr Singh will largely hinge on tangible progress in the Mumbai attacks trial. At the moment, officials say, things are frustratingly slow.

The foreign secretaries of the two countries have met today, ahead of tomorrow's discussions between SM Krishna and his counterpart, Hina Rabbani Khar. Sources say a liberalised visa agreement and a pact on cultural exchanges may be signed.

No evidence is likely to be shared by India on 26/11 terrorist Abu Jundal, with the Home Ministry saying investigations are still underway and that it is too early to share documents.

In a likely first for an Indian foreign minister, Mr Krishna will also be meeting leaders of Pakistan's major political parties. He will call on the Prime Minister later today and will meet President Zardari later tonight.

Tomorrow Mr Krishna and Ms Khar will review the dialogue process and set the agenda for the next round. Indian officials have stressed that a gradual, step by step approach with Pakistan is being followed, and do not expect any dramatic breakthroughs in discussions tomorrow.
 
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