Home Secretary level talks between India and Pakistan held

In the Home Secretary Level talks between India and Pakistan on Terrorism and Drug Trafficking, held yesterday, the following main points emerged and the decisions taken :-

i) India raised its concerns relating to terrorism and fugitives. It was agreed that effective and sustained measures would be taken to combat the menace of terrorism.

(ii) It was agreed that terrorists and criminals in either country would be effectively dealt with.

(iii) It was agreed to enhance the cooperation between CBI and FIA in the areas of human trafficking, illegal immigration and counterfeit currency. The nodal points in both the agencies will meet periodically to facilitate early action on Interpol related cases.

(iv) It was agreed that all fishermen will be released by August 14-15, 2007. It was also agreed that fishing boats in each other’s custody will also be released.

(v) Efforts will be made by both sides to reconcile the number and identities of prisoners in each other’s jails.

(vi) All those prisoners who have completed their sentences will also be released by both sides by August 14-15, 2007.

(vii) A protocol on Consular Access was discussed in detail and was finalized.

(viii) Detailed discussions took place on the draft Visa Agreement. Considerable progress was made in finalizing some of the provisions.

(ix) After detailed discussions, it was agreed that an MoU on Narcotics Control between the two agencies could be signed in the near future.
2. The discussions were held in a candid and cordial atmosphere. The full text of the Joint Statement agreed by both sides is attached.

Source : Press Information Bureau

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