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"It is disappointing that no closure was reached on the text of the agreement. We will, therefore, have to begin again on the basis of the existing agreements - Simla Agreement and the Lahore Declaration - which are the cornerstones of India-Pakistan relations," an external affairs ministry spokesperson told reporters in Delhi.
She was responding to questions on remarks made by Pakistan Foreign Minister Abdul Sattar in Islamabad that the draft declaration would serve as 'valuable foundation' for the two leaders for reaching a 'full agreement' at a future meeting.
India, she said, was happy that Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has carried the impression back to Pakistan that there was a great desire within India for the establishment of good neighbourly relations between the two countries.
"The caravan of peace will move ahead. Our engagement with Pakistan will continue. The processes of peace that have been put in place at the initiative of the prime minister will also proceed forward," she said.
Pressed whether there was nothing for the two sides to pick up from the Agra Summit, she said "Various proposals were discussed during the parleys. But it is self-evident that until such proposals reach closure and subscription by signature, there is no agreement. Therefore, we will have to begin again."
The spokesperson, however, maintained that the discussions at Agra were useful and 'not at all wasted'.
Asked about Sattar's new definition of cross-border terrorism, she said New Delhi was astonished at the technicalities being voiced by Pakistan.
"We know very well that Pakistan understands perfectly what is meant by cross-border terrorism, which is inclusive of encouraging and abetting infiltration and terrorism across the Line of Control," she said.
Giving a new twist in Islamabad, Sattar had said, "No reference was made to any cross-LoC terrorism in the draft".
About Sattar giving out contents of the draft declaration, she said "This is a very novel interpretation on how diplomatic parleys have to be conducted."
"If the logic of the media conducting negotiations simultaneously with the principals is to be accepted, then I am afraid international or bilateral confidential parleys or discussions might very well be held in an amphitheatre with the media present all the time."
PTI
Indo-Pak Summit 2001: The Complete Coverage
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