This Article is From Sep 08, 2012

India refuses to commit to a time frame for PM's Pakistan visit

India refuses to commit to a time frame for PM's Pakistan visit
Islamabad: India today refused to commit to a date for Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit to Pakistan, despite a statement by Pakistan Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar that Dr Singh may visit Pakistan in the next three months. External Affairs Minister SM Krishna, who is on a three-day visit to Pakistan for talks, said that the atmosphere has to be "ripe" and something "worthwhile" should come out from such a trip.

"Prime Minister has never put conditions for his visit to Pakistan. I think, the visit will take place at an appropriate time when the atmosphere is ripe, when he feels that something worthwhile will come out of visit," Mr Krishna said at a joint press conference with Ms Khar, his Pakistani counterpart.

When asked a specific question on whether the PM would come before the end of the year, Mr Krishna said, "the PM's schedule is decided months in advance". Sources have told NDTV that a visit by the PM will hinge largely on visible progress on terrorism.

He also said that he will provide his own assessment of the situation and depending upon that the Prime Minister will decide about Pakistan visit.

"We all feel that the Prime Minister of India, I think has to work out, depending upon his schedule his visit to Pakistan," Mr Krishna said.

Later, the External Affairs minister again said that he will report to Dr Singh his assessment and that "I will not be able to say when he will be coming."

To Mr Krishna remarks on his assessment, Ms Khar chipped in and said, "From my interaction with him (Krishna), I can assure that the assessment will be a positive assessment".

Mr Krishna's statement came on a day the two countries signed a new liberalised visa agreement, while Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari announced the release of all Indian fishermen being held in Pakistan. A number of cross Line of Control (LOC) confidence building measures or CBMs were also announced, including more travel for pilgrims, and better infrastructure and transportation links.

(With inputs from PTI)
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