Islamabad: Pakistan today (Dec 9, 2003) said it would propose extension of the route of Samjhauta Express to New Delhi during the parleys next week with India on resumption of rail links.

Before it was stopped amidst tension following the December 13, 2001 attack on Indian Parliament, Samjhauta Express used to run from Lahore in Pakistan to Attari in Punjab.

Pakistani officials taking part in the December 18 and 19 talks in New Delhi to resume rail services between two countries would propose extension of the train service up to New Delhi from Lahore.

It is hoped that Pakistan Railway team, which is scheduled to hold talks with Indian side will return successful, Pakistan Foreign Minister Khurshid Mehmood Kasuri today told a seminar in Islamabad on "Conflict Resolution and Regional Co-operation in South Asia."

The Railway officials of both sides are expected to finalise the schedule to resume the train, as well as goods train services between the two countries.

Similarly, a proposal to setting up a direct communication link between coast guards of the two countries to address the issues relating to the fishermen and communication related operational difficulties is under consideration," Kasuri said.

India proposed the contacts between the two coast guards last week.

Kasuri said the process of confidence building measures must continue for durable peace and stability in South Asia. But the international community has to play its role in promoting peace and security in the region, he said.

Kasuri said Pakistan has taken the decision to embark on efforts to normalise relations with India at the highest level.

"We hope that the arms race which India triggered as well as its domestic political compulsions, do not derail the process of normalisation of relations which is at a nascent stage," he said.

Calling for "serious and scrupulous" introspection to determine a course to improve relations, he said "all outstanding issues should be addressed with statesmanship so that we can move ahead towards a cooperative and prosperous future for the people of the two countries."

Kasuri said Pakistan was pleased that India responded favourably to its proposal for ceasefire along the line of control (LoC).

"We seek permanent solution to the key problem. Once a just and peaceful solution to Kashmir dispute is achieved, South Asia will usher an era of peace and harmony. The ball is in India's court," he said.

PTI