Ahead of the crucial Defence Secretary-level talks on Siachen glacier with India, Pakistan on Monday said it was 'open to all proposals' for demilitarization of the icy battlefield.
"We have come here with an open positive frame of mind," Pakistan's Defence Secretary Lt Gen (Retd) Tariq Waseem Ghazi told reporters on his arrival in New Delhi for two-day talks with his Indian counterpart Shekhar Dutt beginning on Tuesday.
On the pointed question whether Pakistan was ready for authentication of position currently held on the 101 km-long Actual Ground Positions on the glacier, Ghazi, who is heading a 13-member delegation, said, "We are ready to discuss all possibilities. We are open to all proposals. We are hopeful of a outcome."
Dutt, who received the Pakistani delegation at the airport, said, "Talks would be held in a friendly environment. In Islamabad, Foreign Office spokesperson Tasnim Aslam said Pakistan will be approaching the talks with all seriousness. We want this issue resolved. I will not prejudge the outcome of the talks."
Pakistan was expecting the talks to make progress in the light of recent 'positive' statement made by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on March 24 in Amritsar during the launch of bus service to Nankana Sahib.
Dr Singh had said: "It is possible for us to come to a meaningful agreement on issues like Siachen, Sir Creek and Baglihar. I am convinced we can move forward if all concerned are willing to accept ground realities."
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