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India, Pakistan in key peace talks

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Jalil Abbas Jilani (R) shakes hands with India's Arun Kumar before Monday's meeting.
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ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (CNN) -- Three days of landmark talks between bitter foes India and Pakistan have opened in Islamabad, with the long-standing dispute over Kashmir expected to be the main focus.

Despite being dubbed "talks about talks," officials say the discussions -- the first in more than two years -- will be comprehensive with hopes the nuclear-armed neighbors will restore peace negotiations shattered in 2001.

But no breakthroughs are expected during the initial round of meetings between foreign ministry officials.

Instead, officials say they will mainly try to set up an agenda and other logistics for further talks over the next few months that could lead to a summit between Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee.

On Monday, Jalil Abbas Jilani, the director-general for South Asia in Pakistan's Foreign Ministry, shook hands with India's Arun Singh, a joint secretary in the External Affairs ministry, before beginning the meeting.

Lower-level officials will meet again Tuesday to set the stage for discussions the following day between the Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers.

Kashmir issue

Relations between Pakistan and India have been frosty since independence from Britain half a century ago. They have been squabbling and fighting over Kashmir, the mountainous territory with a Muslim majority claimed by both countries.

There have been two full-scale wars over the region -- one in 1947 and another in 1965 -- followed by decades of endless exchanges of fire across the Line Of Control that divides Kashmir into Indian and Pakistani sections. China also controls a portion of the region.

Human rights organizations estimate more than 60,000 people have been killed in violence there since a militant insurgency began in Kashmir 15 years ago.

In recent years, the territory has been wracked by the mounting insurgency and there were fears the two countries were on the brink of full-scale war during a tense standoff and military build-up sparked by a militant attack on Parliament in New Delhi in December 2001.

But in late 2003, tensions began to ease and a two-month-old cease fire between their two armies along the Line of Control has already helped to improve the atmosphere.

Musharraf and Indian counterpart Vajpayee agreed to restart the peace process during a groundbreaking meeting in January.

Musharraf pledged that he would not allow Pakistan to be used as a base for terrorist activity at the talks, which marked a sea change in decades of bitter rivalry between the foes.

"Ladies and gentlemen, history has been made," Musharraf said last month when announcing a breakthrough in relations with its long-time adversary.


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ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (CNN) -- Three days of landmark talks between bitter foes India and Pakistan have opened in Islamabad, with the long-standing dispute over Kashmir expected to be the main focus.

Despite being dubbed "talks about talks," officials say the discussions -- the first in more than two years -- will be comprehensive with hopes the nuclear-armed neighbors will restore peace negotiations shattered in 2001.

But no breakthroughs are expected during the initial round of meetings between foreign ministry officials.

Instead, officials say they will mainly try to set up an agenda and other logistics for further talks over the next few months that could lead to a summit between Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee.

On Monday, Jalil Abbas Jilani, the director-general for South Asia in Pakistan's Foreign Ministry, shook hands with India's Arun Singh, a joint secretary in the External Affairs ministry, before beginning the meeting.

Lower-level officials will meet again Tuesday to set the stage for discussions the following day between the Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers.

Kashmir issue

Relations between Pakistan and India have been frosty since independence from Britain half a century ago. They have been squabbling and fighting over Kashmir, the mountainous territory with a Muslim majority claimed by both countries.

There have been two full-scale wars over the region -- one in 1947 and another in 1965 -- followed by decades of endless exchanges of fire across the Line Of Control that divides Kashmir into Indian and Pakistani sections. China also controls a portion of the region.

Human rights organizations estimate more than 60,000 people have been killed in violence there since a militant insurgency began in Kashmir 15 years ago.

In recent years, the territory has been wracked by the mounting insurgency and there were fears the two countries were on the brink of full-scale war during a tense standoff and military build-up sparked by a militant attack on Parliament in New Delhi in December 2001.

But in late 2003, tensions began to ease and a two-month-old cease fire between their two armies along the Line of Control has already helped to improve the atmosphere.

Musharraf and Indian counterpart Vajpayee agreed to restart the peace process during a groundbreaking meeting in January.

Musharraf pledged that he would not allow Pakistan to be used as a base for terrorist activity at the talks, which marked a sea change in decades of bitter rivalry between the foes.

"Ladies and gentlemen, history has been made," Musharraf said last month when announcing a breakthrough in relations with its long-time adversary.


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ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (CNN) -- Three days of landmark talks between bitter foes India and Pakistan have opened in Islamabad, with the long-standing dispute over Kashmir expected to be the main focus.

Despite being dubbed "talks about talks," officials say the discussions -- the first in more than two years -- will be comprehensive with hopes the nuclear-armed neighbors will restore peace negotiations shattered in 2001.

But no breakthroughs are expected during the initial round of meetings between foreign ministry officials.

Instead, officials say they will mainly try to set up an agenda and other logistics for further talks over the next few months that could lead to a summit between Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee.

On Monday, Jalil Abbas Jilani, the director-general for South Asia in Pakistan's Foreign Ministry, shook hands with India's Arun Singh, a joint secretary in the External Affairs ministry, before beginning the meeting.

Lower-level officials will meet again Tuesday to set the stage for discussions the following day between the Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers.

Kashmir issue

Relations between Pakistan and India have been frosty since independence from Britain half a century ago. They have been squabbling and fighting over Kashmir, the mountainous territory with a Muslim majority claimed by both countries.

There have been two full-scale wars over the region -- one in 1947 and another in 1965 -- followed by decades of endless exchanges of fire across the Line Of Control that divides Kashmir into Indian and Pakistani sections. China also controls a portion of the region.

Human rights organizations estimate more than 60,000 people have been killed in violence there since a militant insurgency began in Kashmir 15 years ago.

In recent years, the territory has been wracked by the mounting insurgency and there were fears the two countries were on the brink of full-scale war during a tense standoff and military build-up sparked by a militant attack on Parliament in New Delhi in December 2001.

But in late 2003, tensions began to ease and a two-month-old cease fire between their two armies along the Line of Control has already helped to improve the atmosphere.

Musharraf and Indian counterpart Vajpayee agreed to restart the peace process during a groundbreaking meeting in January.

Musharraf pledged that he would not allow Pakistan to be used as a base for terrorist activity at the talks, which marked a sea change in decades of bitter rivalry between the foes.

"Ladies and gentlemen, history has been made," Musharraf said last month when announcing a breakthrough in relations with its long-time adversary.


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ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (CNN) -- Three days of landmark talks between bitter foes India and Pakistan have opened in Islamabad, with the long-standing dispute over Kashmir expected to be the main focus.

Despite being dubbed "talks about talks," officials say the discussions -- the first in more than two years -- will be comprehensive with hopes the nuclear-armed neighbors will restore peace negotiations shattered in 2001.

But no breakthroughs are expected during the initial round of meetings between foreign ministry officials.

Instead, officials say they will mainly try to set up an agenda and other logistics for further talks over the next few months that could lead to a summit between Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee.

On Monday, Jalil Abbas Jilani, the director-general for South Asia in Pakistan's Foreign Ministry, shook hands with India's Arun Singh, a joint secretary in the External Affairs ministry, before beginning the meeting.

Lower-level officials will meet again Tuesday to set the stage for discussions the following day between the Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers.

Kashmir issue

Relations between Pakistan and India have been frosty since independence from Britain half a century ago. They have been squabbling and fighting over Kashmir, the mountainous territory with a Muslim majority claimed by both countries.

There have been two full-scale wars over the region -- one in 1947 and another in 1965 -- followed by decades of endless exchanges of fire across the Line Of Control that divides Kashmir into Indian and Pakistani sections. China also controls a portion of the region.

Human rights organizations estimate more than 60,000 people have been killed in violence there since a militant insurgency began in Kashmir 15 years ago.

In recent years, the territory has been wracked by the mounting insurgency and there were fears the two countries were on the brink of full-scale war during a tense standoff and military build-up sparked by a militant attack on Parliament in New Delhi in December 2001.

But in late 2003, tensions began to ease and a two-month-old cease fire between their two armies along the Line of Control has already helped to improve the atmosphere.

Musharraf and Indian counterpart Vajpayee agreed to restart the peace process during a groundbreaking meeting in January.

Musharraf pledged that he would not allow Pakistan to be used as a base for terrorist activity at the talks, which marked a sea change in decades of bitter rivalry between the foes.

"Ladies and gentlemen, history has been made," Musharraf said last month when announcing a breakthrough in relations with its long-time adversary.


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ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (CNN) -- Three days of landmark talks between bitter foes India and Pakistan have opened in Islamabad, with the long-standing dispute over Kashmir expected to be the main focus.

Despite being dubbed "talks about talks," officials say the discussions -- the first in more than two years -- will be comprehensive with hopes the nuclear-armed neighbors will restore peace negotiations shattered in 2001.

But no breakthroughs are expected during the initial round of meetings between foreign ministry officials.

Instead, officials say they will mainly try to set up an agenda and other logistics for further talks over the next few months that could lead to a summit between Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee.

On Monday, Jalil Abbas Jilani, the director-general for South Asia in Pakistan's Foreign Ministry, shook hands with India's Arun Singh, a joint secretary in the External Affairs ministry, before beginning the meeting.

Lower-level officials will meet again Tuesday to set the stage for discussions the following day between the Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers.

Kashmir issue

Relations between Pakistan and India have been frosty since independence from Britain half a century ago. They have been squabbling and fighting over Kashmir, the mountainous territory with a Muslim majority claimed by both countries.

There have been two full-scale wars over the region -- one in 1947 and another in 1965 -- followed by decades of endless exchanges of fire across the Line Of Control that divides Kashmir into Indian and Pakistani sections. China also controls a portion of the region.

Human rights organizations estimate more than 60,000 people have been killed in violence there since a militant insurgency began in Kashmir 15 years ago.

In recent years, the territory has been wracked by the mounting insurgency and there were fears the two countries were on the brink of full-scale war during a tense standoff and military build-up sparked by a militant attack on Parliament in New Delhi in December 2001.

But in late 2003, tensions began to ease and a two-month-old cease fire between their two armies along the Line of Control has already helped to improve the atmosphere.

Musharraf and Indian counterpart Vajpayee agreed to restart the peace process during a groundbreaking meeting in January.

Musharraf pledged that he would not allow Pakistan to be used as a base for terrorist activity at the talks, which marked a sea change in decades of bitter rivalry between the foes.

"Ladies and gentlemen, history has been made," Musharraf said last month when announcing a breakthrough in relations with its long-time adversary.


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ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (CNN) -- Three days of landmark talks between bitter foes India and Pakistan have opened in Islamabad, with the long-standing dispute over Kashmir expected to be the main focus.

Despite being dubbed "talks about talks," officials say the discussions -- the first in more than two years -- will be comprehensive with hopes the nuclear-armed neighbors will restore peace negotiations shattered in 2001.

But no breakthroughs are expected during the initial round of meetings between foreign ministry officials.

Instead, officials say they will mainly try to set up an agenda and other logistics for further talks over the next few months that could lead to a summit between Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee.

On Monday, Jalil Abbas Jilani, the director-general for South Asia in Pakistan's Foreign Ministry, shook hands with India's Arun Singh, a joint secretary in the External Affairs ministry, before beginning the meeting.

Lower-level officials will meet again Tuesday to set the stage for discussions the following day between the Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers.

Kashmir issue

Relations between Pakistan and India have been frosty since independence from Britain half a century ago. They have been squabbling and fighting over Kashmir, the mountainous territory with a Muslim majority claimed by both countries.

There have been two full-scale wars over the region -- one in 1947 and another in 1965 -- followed by decades of endless exchanges of fire across the Line Of Control that divides Kashmir into Indian and Pakistani sections. China also controls a portion of the region.

Human rights organizations estimate more than 60,000 people have been killed in violence there since a militant insurgency began in Kashmir 15 years ago.

In recent years, the territory has been wracked by the mounting insurgency and there were fears the two countries were on the brink of full-scale war during a tense standoff and military build-up sparked by a militant attack on Parliament in New Delhi in December 2001.

But in late 2003, tensions began to ease and a two-month-old cease fire between their two armies along the Line of Control has already helped to improve the atmosphere.

Musharraf and Indian counterpart Vajpayee agreed to restart the peace process during a groundbreaking meeting in January.

Musharraf pledged that he would not allow Pakistan to be used as a base for terrorist activity at the talks, which marked a sea change in decades of bitter rivalry between the foes.

"Ladies and gentlemen, history has been made," Musharraf said last month when announcing a breakthrough in relations with its long-time adversary.


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ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (CNN) -- Three days of landmark talks between bitter foes India and Pakistan have opened in Islamabad, with the long-standing dispute over Kashmir expected to be the main focus.

Despite being dubbed "talks about talks," officials say the discussions -- the first in more than two years -- will be comprehensive with hopes the nuclear-armed neighbors will restore peace negotiations shattered in 2001.

But no breakthroughs are expected during the initial round of meetings between foreign ministry officials.

Instead, officials say they will mainly try to set up an agenda and other logistics for further talks over the next few months that could lead to a summit between Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee.

On Monday, Jalil Abbas Jilani, the director-general for South Asia in Pakistan's Foreign Ministry, shook hands with India's Arun Singh, a joint secretary in the External Affairs ministry, before beginning the meeting.

Lower-level officials will meet again Tuesday to set the stage for discussions the following day between the Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers.

Kashmir issue

Relations between Pakistan and India have been frosty since independence from Britain half a century ago. They have been squabbling and fighting over Kashmir, the mountainous territory with a Muslim majority claimed by both countries.

There have been two full-scale wars over the region -- one in 1947 and another in 1965 -- followed by decades of endless exchanges of fire across the Line Of Control that divides Kashmir into Indian and Pakistani sections. China also controls a portion of the region.

Human rights organizations estimate more than 60,000 people have been killed in violence there since a militant insurgency began in Kashmir 15 years ago.

In recent years, the territory has been wracked by the mounting insurgency and there were fears the two countries were on the brink of full-scale war during a tense standoff and military build-up sparked by a militant attack on Parliament in New Delhi in December 2001.

But in late 2003, tensions began to ease and a two-month-old cease fire between their two armies along the Line of Control has already helped to improve the atmosphere.

Musharraf and Indian counterpart Vajpayee agreed to restart the peace process during a groundbreaking meeting in January.

Musharraf pledged that he would not allow Pakistan to be used as a base for terrorist activity at the talks, which marked a sea change in decades of bitter rivalry between the foes.

"Ladies and gentlemen, history has been made," Musharraf said last month when announcing a breakthrough in relations with its long-time adversary.


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ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (CNN) -- Three days of landmark talks between bitter foes India and Pakistan have opened in Islamabad, with the long-standing dispute over Kashmir expected to be the main focus.

Despite being dubbed "talks about talks," officials say the discussions -- the first in more than two years -- will be comprehensive with hopes the nuclear-armed neighbors will restore peace negotiations shattered in 2001.

But no breakthroughs are expected during the initial round of meetings between foreign ministry officials.

Instead, officials say they will mainly try to set up an agenda and other logistics for further talks over the next few months that could lead to a summit between Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee.

On Monday, Jalil Abbas Jilani, the director-general for South Asia in Pakistan's Foreign Ministry, shook hands with India's Arun Singh, a joint secretary in the External Affairs ministry, before beginning the meeting.

Lower-level officials will meet again Tuesday to set the stage for discussions the following day between the Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers.

Kashmir issue

Relations between Pakistan and India have been frosty since independence from Britain half a century ago. They have been squabbling and fighting over Kashmir, the mountainous territory with a Muslim majority claimed by both countries.

There have been two full-scale wars over the region -- one in 1947 and another in 1965 -- followed by decades of endless exchanges of fire across the Line Of Control that divides Kashmir into Indian and Pakistani sections. China also controls a portion of the region.

Human rights organizations estimate more than 60,000 people have been killed in violence there since a militant insurgency began in Kashmir 15 years ago.

In recent years, the territory has been wracked by the mounting insurgency and there were fears the two countries were on the brink of full-scale war during a tense standoff and military build-up sparked by a militant attack on Parliament in New Delhi in December 2001.

But in late 2003, tensions began to ease and a two-month-old cease fire between their two armies along the Line of Control has already helped to improve the atmosphere.

Musharraf and Indian counterpart Vajpayee agreed to restart the peace process during a groundbreaking meeting in January.

Musharraf pledged that he would not allow Pakistan to be used as a base for terrorist activity at the talks, which marked a sea change in decades of bitter rivalry between the foes.

"Ladies and gentlemen, history has been made," Musharraf said last month when announcing a breakthrough in relations with its long-time adversary.


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ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (CNN) -- Three days of landmark talks between bitter foes India and Pakistan have opened in Islamabad, with the long-standing dispute over Kashmir expected to be the main focus.

Despite being dubbed "talks about talks," officials say the discussions -- the first in more than two years -- will be comprehensive with hopes the nuclear-armed neighbors will restore peace negotiations shattered in 2001.

But no breakthroughs are expected during the initial round of meetings between foreign ministry officials.

Instead, officials say they will mainly try to set up an agenda and other logistics for further talks over the next few months that could lead to a summit between Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee.

On Monday, Jalil Abbas Jilani, the director-general for South Asia in Pakistan's Foreign Ministry, shook hands with India's Arun Singh, a joint secretary in the External Affairs ministry, before beginning the meeting.

Lower-level officials will meet again Tuesday to set the stage for discussions the following day between the Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers.

Kashmir issue

Relations between Pakistan and India have been frosty since independence from Britain half a century ago. They have been squabbling and fighting over Kashmir, the mountainous territory with a Muslim majority claimed by both countries.

There have been two full-scale wars over the region -- one in 1947 and another in 1965 -- followed by decades of endless exchanges of fire across the Line Of Control that divides Kashmir into Indian and Pakistani sections. China also controls a portion of the region.

Human rights organizations estimate more than 60,000 people have been killed in violence there since a militant insurgency began in Kashmir 15 years ago.

In recent years, the territory has been wracked by the mounting insurgency and there were fears the two countries were on the brink of full-scale war during a tense standoff and military build-up sparked by a militant attack on Parliament in New Delhi in December 2001.

But in late 2003, tensions began to ease and a two-month-old cease fire between their two armies along the Line of Control has already helped to improve the atmosphere.

Musharraf and Indian counterpart Vajpayee agreed to restart the peace process during a groundbreaking meeting in January.

Musharraf pledged that he would not allow Pakistan to be used as a base for terrorist activity at the talks, which marked a sea change in decades of bitter rivalry between the foes.

"Ladies and gentlemen, history has been made," Musharraf said last month when announcing a breakthrough in relations with its long-time adversary.


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ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (CNN) -- Three days of landmark talks between bitter foes India and Pakistan have opened in Islamabad, with the long-standing dispute over Kashmir expected to be the main focus.

Despite being dubbed "talks about talks," officials say the discussions -- the first in more than two years -- will be comprehensive with hopes the nuclear-armed neighbors will restore peace negotiations shattered in 2001.

But no breakthroughs are expected during the initial round of meetings between foreign ministry officials.

Instead, officials say they will mainly try to set up an agenda and other logistics for further talks over the next few months that could lead to a summit between Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee.

On Monday, Jalil Abbas Jilani, the director-general for South Asia in Pakistan's Foreign Ministry, shook hands with India's Arun Singh, a joint secretary in the External Affairs ministry, before beginning the meeting.

Lower-level officials will meet again Tuesday to set the stage for discussions the following day between the Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers.

Kashmir issue

Relations between Pakistan and India have been frosty since independence from Britain half a century ago. They have been squabbling and fighting over Kashmir, the mountainous territory with a Muslim majority claimed by both countries.

There have been two full-scale wars over the region -- one in 1947 and another in 1965 -- followed by decades of endless exchanges of fire across the Line Of Control that divides Kashmir into Indian and Pakistani sections. China also controls a portion of the region.

Human rights organizations estimate more than 60,000 people have been killed in violence there since a militant insurgency began in Kashmir 15 years ago.

In recent years, the territory has been wracked by the mounting insurgency and there were fears the two countries were on the brink of full-scale war during a tense standoff and military build-up sparked by a militant attack on Parliament in New Delhi in December 2001.

But in late 2003, tensions began to ease and a two-month-old cease fire between their two armies along the Line of Control has already helped to improve the atmosphere.

Musharraf and Indian counterpart Vajpayee agreed to restart the peace process during a groundbreaking meeting in January.

Musharraf pledged that he would not allow Pakistan to be used as a base for terrorist activity at the talks, which marked a sea change in decades of bitter rivalry between the foes.

"Ladies and gentlemen, history has been made," Musharraf said last month when announcing a breakthrough in relations with its long-time adversary.


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ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (CNN) -- Three days of landmark talks between bitter foes India and Pakistan have opened in Islamabad, with the long-standing dispute over Kashmir expected to be the main focus.

Despite being dubbed "talks about talks," officials say the discussions -- the first in more than two years -- will be comprehensive with hopes the nuclear-armed neighbors will restore peace negotiations shattered in 2001.

But no breakthroughs are expected during the initial round of meetings between foreign ministry officials.

Instead, officials say they will mainly try to set up an agenda and other logistics for further talks over the next few months that could lead to a summit between Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee.

On Monday, Jalil Abbas Jilani, the director-general for South Asia in Pakistan's Foreign Ministry, shook hands with India's Arun Singh, a joint secretary in the External Affairs ministry, before beginning the meeting.

Lower-level officials will meet again Tuesday to set the stage for discussions the following day between the Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers.

Kashmir issue

Relations between Pakistan and India have been frosty since independence from Britain half a century ago. They have been squabbling and fighting over Kashmir, the mountainous territory with a Muslim majority claimed by both countries.

There have been two full-scale wars over the region -- one in 1947 and another in 1965 -- followed by decades of endless exchanges of fire across the Line Of Control that divides Kashmir into Indian and Pakistani sections. China also controls a portion of the region.

Human rights organizations estimate more than 60,000 people have been killed in violence there since a militant insurgency began in Kashmir 15 years ago.

In recent years, the territory has been wracked by the mounting insurgency and there were fears the two countries were on the brink of full-scale war during a tense standoff and military build-up sparked by a militant attack on Parliament in New Delhi in December 2001.

But in late 2003, tensions began to ease and a two-month-old cease fire between their two armies along the Line of Control has already helped to improve the atmosphere.

Musharraf and Indian counterpart Vajpayee agreed to restart the peace process during a groundbreaking meeting in January.

Musharraf pledged that he would not allow Pakistan to be used as a base for terrorist activity at the talks, which marked a sea change in decades of bitter rivalry between the foes.

"Ladies and gentlemen, history has been made," Musharraf said last month when announcing a breakthrough in relations with its long-time adversary.


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ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (CNN) -- Three days of landmark talks between bitter foes India and Pakistan have opened in Islamabad, with the long-standing dispute over Kashmir expected to be the main focus.

Despite being dubbed "talks about talks," officials say the discussions -- the first in more than two years -- will be comprehensive with hopes the nuclear-armed neighbors will restore peace negotiations shattered in 2001.

But no breakthroughs are expected during the initial round of meetings between foreign ministry officials.

Instead, officials say they will mainly try to set up an agenda and other logistics for further talks over the next few months that could lead to a summit between Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee.

On Monday, Jalil Abbas Jilani, the director-general for South Asia in Pakistan's Foreign Ministry, shook hands with India's Arun Singh, a joint secretary in the External Affairs ministry, before beginning the meeting.

Lower-level officials will meet again Tuesday to set the stage for discussions the following day between the Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers.

Kashmir issue

Relations between Pakistan and India have been frosty since independence from Britain half a century ago. They have been squabbling and fighting over Kashmir, the mountainous territory with a Muslim majority claimed by both countries.

There have been two full-scale wars over the region -- one in 1947 and another in 1965 -- followed by decades of endless exchanges of fire across the Line Of Control that divides Kashmir into Indian and Pakistani sections. China also controls a portion of the region.

Human rights organizations estimate more than 60,000 people have been killed in violence there since a militant insurgency began in Kashmir 15 years ago.

In recent years, the territory has been wracked by the mounting insurgency and there were fears the two countries were on the brink of full-scale war during a tense standoff and military build-up sparked by a militant attack on Parliament in New Delhi in December 2001.

But in late 2003, tensions began to ease and a two-month-old cease fire between their two armies along the Line of Control has already helped to improve the atmosphere.

Musharraf and Indian counterpart Vajpayee agreed to restart the peace process during a groundbreaking meeting in January.

Musharraf pledged that he would not allow Pakistan to be used as a base for terrorist activity at the talks, which marked a sea change in decades of bitter rivalry between the foes.

"Ladies and gentlemen, history has been made," Musharraf said last month when announcing a breakthrough in relations with its long-time adversary.


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ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (CNN) -- Three days of landmark talks between bitter foes India and Pakistan have opened in Islamabad, with the long-standing dispute over Kashmir expected to be the main focus.

Despite being dubbed "talks about talks," officials say the discussions -- the first in more than two years -- will be comprehensive with hopes the nuclear-armed neighbors will restore peace negotiations shattered in 2001.

But no breakthroughs are expected during the initial round of meetings between foreign ministry officials.

Instead, officials say they will mainly try to set up an agenda and other logistics for further talks over the next few months that could lead to a summit between Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee.

On Monday, Jalil Abbas Jilani, the director-general for South Asia in Pakistan's Foreign Ministry, shook hands with India's Arun Singh, a joint secretary in the External Affairs ministry, before beginning the meeting.

Lower-level officials will meet again Tuesday to set the stage for discussions the following day between the Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers.

Kashmir issue

Relations between Pakistan and India have been frosty since independence from Britain half a century ago. They have been squabbling and fighting over Kashmir, the mountainous territory with a Muslim majority claimed by both countries.

There have been two full-scale wars over the region -- one in 1947 and another in 1965 -- followed by decades of endless exchanges of fire across the Line Of Control that divides Kashmir into Indian and Pakistani sections. China also controls a portion of the region.

Human rights organizations estimate more than 60,000 people have been killed in violence there since a militant insurgency began in Kashmir 15 years ago.

In recent years, the territory has been wracked by the mounting insurgency and there were fears the two countries were on the brink of full-scale war during a tense standoff and military build-up sparked by a militant attack on Parliament in New Delhi in December 2001.

But in late 2003, tensions began to ease and a two-month-old cease fire between their two armies along the Line of Control has already helped to improve the atmosphere.

Musharraf and Indian counterpart Vajpayee agreed to restart the peace process during a groundbreaking meeting in January.

Musharraf pledged that he would not allow Pakistan to be used as a base for terrorist activity at the talks, which marked a sea change in decades of bitter rivalry between the foes.

"Ladies and gentlemen, history has been made," Musharraf said last month when announcing a breakthrough in relations with its long-time adversary.


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ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (CNN) -- Three days of landmark talks between bitter foes India and Pakistan have opened in Islamabad, with the long-standing dispute over Kashmir expected to be the main focus.

Despite being dubbed "talks about talks," officials say the discussions -- the first in more than two years -- will be comprehensive with hopes the nuclear-armed neighbors will restore peace negotiations shattered in 2001.

But no breakthroughs are expected during the initial round of meetings between foreign ministry officials.

Instead, officials say they will mainly try to set up an agenda and other logistics for further talks over the next few months that could lead to a summit between Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee.

On Monday, Jalil Abbas Jilani, the director-general for South Asia in Pakistan's Foreign Ministry, shook hands with India's Arun Singh, a joint secretary in the External Affairs ministry, before beginning the meeting.

Lower-level officials will meet again Tuesday to set the stage for discussions the following day between the Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers.

Kashmir issue

Relations between Pakistan and India have been frosty since independence from Britain half a century ago. They have been squabbling and fighting over Kashmir, the mountainous territory with a Muslim majority claimed by both countries.

There have been two full-scale wars over the region -- one in 1947 and another in 1965 -- followed by decades of endless exchanges of fire across the Line Of Control that divides Kashmir into Indian and Pakistani sections. China also controls a portion of the region.

Human rights organizations estimate more than 60,000 people have been killed in violence there since a militant insurgency began in Kashmir 15 years ago.

In recent years, the territory has been wracked by the mounting insurgency and there were fears the two countries were on the brink of full-scale war during a tense standoff and military build-up sparked by a militant attack on Parliament in New Delhi in December 2001.

But in late 2003, tensions began to ease and a two-month-old cease fire between their two armies along the Line of Control has already helped to improve the atmosphere.

Musharraf and Indian counterpart Vajpayee agreed to restart the peace process during a groundbreaking meeting in January.

Musharraf pledged that he would not allow Pakistan to be used as a base for terrorist activity at the talks, which marked a sea change in decades of bitter rivalry between the foes.

"Ladies and gentlemen, history has been made," Musharraf said last month when announcing a breakthrough in relations with its long-time adversary.


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ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (CNN) -- Three days of landmark talks between bitter foes India and Pakistan have opened in Islamabad, with the long-standing dispute over Kashmir expected to be the main focus.

Despite being dubbed "talks about talks," officials say the discussions -- the first in more than two years -- will be comprehensive with hopes the nuclear-armed neighbors will restore peace negotiations shattered in 2001.

But no breakthroughs are expected during the initial round of meetings between foreign ministry officials.

Instead, officials say they will mainly try to set up an agenda and other logistics for further talks over the next few months that could lead to a summit between Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee.

On Monday, Jalil Abbas Jilani, the director-general for South Asia in Pakistan's Foreign Ministry, shook hands with India's Arun Singh, a joint secretary in the External Affairs ministry, before beginning the meeting.

Lower-level officials will meet again Tuesday to set the stage for discussions the following day between the Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers.

Kashmir issue

Relations between Pakistan and India have been frosty since independence from Britain half a century ago. They have been squabbling and fighting over Kashmir, the mountainous territory with a Muslim majority claimed by both countries.

There have been two full-scale wars over the region -- one in 1947 and another in 1965 -- followed by decades of endless exchanges of fire across the Line Of Control that divides Kashmir into Indian and Pakistani sections. China also controls a portion of the region.

Human rights organizations estimate more than 60,000 people have been killed in violence there since a militant insurgency began in Kashmir 15 years ago.

In recent years, the territory has been wracked by the mounting insurgency and there were fears the two countries were on the brink of full-scale war during a tense standoff and military build-up sparked by a militant attack on Parliament in New Delhi in December 2001.

But in late 2003, tensions began to ease and a two-month-old cease fire between their two armies along the Line of Control has already helped to improve the atmosphere.

Musharraf and Indian counterpart Vajpayee agreed to restart the peace process during a groundbreaking meeting in January.

Musharraf pledged that he would not allow Pakistan to be used as a base for terrorist activity at the talks, which marked a sea change in decades of bitter rivalry between the foes.

"Ladies and gentlemen, history has been made," Musharraf said last month when announcing a breakthrough in relations with its long-time adversary.


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ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (CNN) -- Three days of landmark talks between bitter foes India and Pakistan have opened in Islamabad, with the long-standing dispute over Kashmir expected to be the main focus.

Despite being dubbed "talks about talks," officials say the discussions -- the first in more than two years -- will be comprehensive with hopes the nuclear-armed neighbors will restore peace negotiations shattered in 2001.

But no breakthroughs are expected during the initial round of meetings between foreign ministry officials.

Instead, officials say they will mainly try to set up an agenda and other logistics for further talks over the next few months that could lead to a summit between Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee.

On Monday, Jalil Abbas Jilani, the director-general for South Asia in Pakistan's Foreign Ministry, shook hands with India's Arun Singh, a joint secretary in the External Affairs ministry, before beginning the meeting.

Lower-level officials will meet again Tuesday to set the stage for discussions the following day between the Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers.

Kashmir issue

Relations between Pakistan and India have been frosty since independence from Britain half a century ago. They have been squabbling and fighting over Kashmir, the mountainous territory with a Muslim majority claimed by both countries.

There have been two full-scale wars over the region -- one in 1947 and another in 1965 -- followed by decades of endless exchanges of fire across the Line Of Control that divides Kashmir into Indian and Pakistani sections. China also controls a portion of the region.

Human rights organizations estimate more than 60,000 people have been killed in violence there since a militant insurgency began in Kashmir 15 years ago.

In recent years, the territory has been wracked by the mounting insurgency and there were fears the two countries were on the brink of full-scale war during a tense standoff and military build-up sparked by a militant attack on Parliament in New Delhi in December 2001.

But in late 2003, tensions began to ease and a two-month-old cease fire between their two armies along the Line of Control has already helped to improve the atmosphere.

Musharraf and Indian counterpart Vajpayee agreed to restart the peace process during a groundbreaking meeting in January.

Musharraf pledged that he would not allow Pakistan to be used as a base for terrorist activity at the talks, which marked a sea change in decades of bitter rivalry between the foes.

"Ladies and gentlemen, history has been made," Musharraf said last month when announcing a breakthrough in relations with its long-time adversary.


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ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (CNN) -- Three days of landmark talks between bitter foes India and Pakistan have opened in Islamabad, with the long-standing dispute over Kashmir expected to be the main focus.

Despite being dubbed "talks about talks," officials say the discussions -- the first in more than two years -- will be comprehensive with hopes the nuclear-armed neighbors will restore peace negotiations shattered in 2001.

But no breakthroughs are expected during the initial round of meetings between foreign ministry officials.

Instead, officials say they will mainly try to set up an agenda and other logistics for further talks over the next few months that could lead to a summit between Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee.

On Monday, Jalil Abbas Jilani, the director-general for South Asia in Pakistan's Foreign Ministry, shook hands with India's Arun Singh, a joint secretary in the External Affairs ministry, before beginning the meeting.

Lower-level officials will meet again Tuesday to set the stage for discussions the following day between the Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers.

Kashmir issue

Relations between Pakistan and India have been frosty since independence from Britain half a century ago. They have been squabbling and fighting over Kashmir, the mountainous territory with a Muslim majority claimed by both countries.

There have been two full-scale wars over the region -- one in 1947 and another in 1965 -- followed by decades of endless exchanges of fire across the Line Of Control that divides Kashmir into Indian and Pakistani sections. China also controls a portion of the region.

Human rights organizations estimate more than 60,000 people have been killed in violence there since a militant insurgency began in Kashmir 15 years ago.

In recent years, the territory has been wracked by the mounting insurgency and there were fears the two countries were on the brink of full-scale war during a tense standoff and military build-up sparked by a militant attack on Parliament in New Delhi in December 2001.

But in late 2003, tensions began to ease and a two-month-old cease fire between their two armies along the Line of Control has already helped to improve the atmosphere.

Musharraf and Indian counterpart Vajpayee agreed to restart the peace process during a groundbreaking meeting in January.

Musharraf pledged that he would not allow Pakistan to be used as a base for terrorist activity at the talks, which marked a sea change in decades of bitter rivalry between the foes.

"Ladies and gentlemen, history has been made," Musharraf said last month when announcing a breakthrough in relations with its long-time adversary.


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Read our privacy guidelines. Contact us.
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ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (CNN) -- Three days of landmark talks between bitter foes India and Pakistan have opened in Islamabad, with the long-standing dispute over Kashmir expected to be the main focus.

Despite being dubbed "talks about talks," officials say the discussions -- the first in more than two years -- will be comprehensive with hopes the nuclear-armed neighbors will restore peace negotiations shattered in 2001.

But no breakthroughs are expected during the initial round of meetings between foreign ministry officials.

Instead, officials say they will mainly try to set up an agenda and other logistics for further talks over the next few months that could lead to a summit between Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee.

On Monday, Jalil Abbas Jilani, the director-general for South Asia in Pakistan's Foreign Ministry, shook hands with India's Arun Singh, a joint secretary in the External Affairs ministry, before beginning the meeting.

Lower-level officials will meet again Tuesday to set the stage for discussions the following day between the Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers.

Kashmir issue

Relations between Pakistan and India have been frosty since independence from Britain half a century ago. They have been squabbling and fighting over Kashmir, the mountainous territory with a Muslim majority claimed by both countries.

There have been two full-scale wars over the region -- one in 1947 and another in 1965 -- followed by decades of endless exchanges of fire across the Line Of Control that divides Kashmir into Indian and Pakistani sections. China also controls a portion of the region.

Human rights organizations estimate more than 60,000 people have been killed in violence there since a militant insurgency began in Kashmir 15 years ago.

In recent years, the territory has been wracked by the mounting insurgency and there were fears the two countries were on the brink of full-scale war during a tense standoff and military build-up sparked by a militant attack on Parliament in New Delhi in December 2001.

But in late 2003, tensions began to ease and a two-month-old cease fire between their two armies along the Line of Control has already helped to improve the atmosphere.

Musharraf and Indian counterpart Vajpayee agreed to restart the peace process during a groundbreaking meeting in January.

Musharraf pledged that he would not allow Pakistan to be used as a base for terrorist activity at the talks, which marked a sea change in decades of bitter rivalry between the foes.

"Ladies and gentlemen, history has been made," Musharraf said last month when announcing a breakthrough in relations with its long-time adversary.


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ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (CNN) -- Three days of landmark talks between bitter foes India and Pakistan have opened in Islamabad, with the long-standing dispute over Kashmir expected to be the main focus.

Despite being dubbed "talks about talks," officials say the discussions -- the first in more than two years -- will be comprehensive with hopes the nuclear-armed neighbors will restore peace negotiations shattered in 2001.

But no breakthroughs are expected during the initial round of meetings between foreign ministry officials.

Instead, officials say they will mainly try to set up an agenda and other logistics for further talks over the next few months that could lead to a summit between Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee.

On Monday, Jalil Abbas Jilani, the director-general for South Asia in Pakistan's Foreign Ministry, shook hands with India's Arun Singh, a joint secretary in the External Affairs ministry, before beginning the meeting.

Lower-level officials will meet again Tuesday to set the stage for discussions the following day between the Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers.

Kashmir issue

Relations between Pakistan and India have been frosty since independence from Britain half a century ago. They have been squabbling and fighting over Kashmir, the mountainous territory with a Muslim majority claimed by both countries.

There have been two full-scale wars over the region -- one in 1947 and another in 1965 -- followed by decades of endless exchanges of fire across the Line Of Control that divides Kashmir into Indian and Pakistani sections. China also controls a portion of the region.

Human rights organizations estimate more than 60,000 people have been killed in violence there since a militant insurgency began in Kashmir 15 years ago.

In recent years, the territory has been wracked by the mounting insurgency and there were fears the two countries were on the brink of full-scale war during a tense standoff and military build-up sparked by a militant attack on Parliament in New Delhi in December 2001.

But in late 2003, tensions began to ease and a two-month-old cease fire between their two armies along the Line of Control has already helped to improve the atmosphere.

Musharraf and Indian counterpart Vajpayee agreed to restart the peace process during a groundbreaking meeting in January.

Musharraf pledged that he would not allow Pakistan to be used as a base for terrorist activity at the talks, which marked a sea change in decades of bitter rivalry between the foes.

"Ladies and gentlemen, history has been made," Musharraf said last month when announcing a breakthrough in relations with its long-time adversary.


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ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (CNN) -- Three days of landmark talks between bitter foes India and Pakistan have opened in Islamabad, with the long-standing dispute over Kashmir expected to be the main focus.

Despite being dubbed "talks about talks," officials say the discussions -- the first in more than two years -- will be comprehensive with hopes the nuclear-armed neighbors will restore peace negotiations shattered in 2001.

But no breakthroughs are expected during the initial round of meetings between foreign ministry officials.

Instead, officials say they will mainly try to set up an agenda and other logistics for further talks over the next few months that could lead to a summit between Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee.

On Monday, Jalil Abbas Jilani, the director-general for South Asia in Pakistan's Foreign Ministry, shook hands with India's Arun Singh, a joint secretary in the External Affairs ministry, before beginning the meeting.

Lower-level officials will meet again Tuesday to set the stage for discussions the following day between the Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers.

Kashmir issue

Relations between Pakistan and India have been frosty since independence from Britain half a century ago. They have been squabbling and fighting over Kashmir, the mountainous territory with a Muslim majority claimed by both countries.

There have been two full-scale wars over the region -- one in 1947 and another in 1965 -- followed by decades of endless exchanges of fire across the Line Of Control that divides Kashmir into Indian and Pakistani sections. China also controls a portion of the region.

Human rights organizations estimate more than 60,000 people have been killed in violence there since a militant insurgency began in Kashmir 15 years ago.

In recent years, the territory has been wracked by the mounting insurgency and there were fears the two countries were on the brink of full-scale war during a tense standoff and military build-up sparked by a militant attack on Parliament in New Delhi in December 2001.

But in late 2003, tensions began to ease and a two-month-old cease fire between their two armies along the Line of Control has already helped to improve the atmosphere.

Musharraf and Indian counterpart Vajpayee agreed to restart the peace process during a groundbreaking meeting in January.

Musharraf pledged that he would not allow Pakistan to be used as a base for terrorist activity at the talks, which marked a sea change in decades of bitter rivalry between the foes.

"Ladies and gentlemen, history has been made," Musharraf said last month when announcing a breakthrough in relations with its long-time adversary.


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ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (CNN) -- Three days of landmark talks between bitter foes India and Pakistan have opened in Islamabad, with the long-standing dispute over Kashmir expected to be the main focus.

Despite being dubbed "talks about talks," officials say the discussions -- the first in more than two years -- will be comprehensive with hopes the nuclear-armed neighbors will restore peace negotiations shattered in 2001.

But no breakthroughs are expected during the initial round of meetings between foreign ministry officials.

Instead, officials say they will mainly try to set up an agenda and other logistics for further talks over the next few months that could lead to a summit between Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee.

On Monday, Jalil Abbas Jilani, the director-general for South Asia in Pakistan's Foreign Ministry, shook hands with India's Arun Singh, a joint secretary in the External Affairs ministry, before beginning the meeting.

Lower-level officials will meet again Tuesday to set the stage for discussions the following day between the Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers.

Kashmir issue

Relations between Pakistan and India have been frosty since independence from Britain half a century ago. They have been squabbling and fighting over Kashmir, the mountainous territory with a Muslim majority claimed by both countries.

There have been two full-scale wars over the region -- one in 1947 and another in 1965 -- followed by decades of endless exchanges of fire across the Line Of Control that divides Kashmir into Indian and Pakistani sections. China also controls a portion of the region.

Human rights organizations estimate more than 60,000 people have been killed in violence there since a militant insurgency began in Kashmir 15 years ago.

In recent years, the territory has been wracked by the mounting insurgency and there were fears the two countries were on the brink of full-scale war during a tense standoff and military build-up sparked by a militant attack on Parliament in New Delhi in December 2001.

But in late 2003, tensions began to ease and a two-month-old cease fire between their two armies along the Line of Control has already helped to improve the atmosphere.

Musharraf and Indian counterpart Vajpayee agreed to restart the peace process during a groundbreaking meeting in January.

Musharraf pledged that he would not allow Pakistan to be used as a base for terrorist activity at the talks, which marked a sea change in decades of bitter rivalry between the foes.

"Ladies and gentlemen, history has been made," Musharraf said last month when announcing a breakthrough in relations with its long-time adversary.


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ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (CNN) -- Three days of landmark talks between bitter foes India and Pakistan have opened in Islamabad, with the long-standing dispute over Kashmir expected to be the main focus.

Despite being dubbed "talks about talks," officials say the discussions -- the first in more than two years -- will be comprehensive with hopes the nuclear-armed neighbors will restore peace negotiations shattered in 2001.

But no breakthroughs are expected during the initial round of meetings between foreign ministry officials.

Instead, officials say they will mainly try to set up an agenda and other logistics for further talks over the next few months that could lead to a summit between Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee.

On Monday, Jalil Abbas Jilani, the director-general for South Asia in Pakistan's Foreign Ministry, shook hands with India's Arun Singh, a joint secretary in the External Affairs ministry, before beginning the meeting.

Lower-level officials will meet again Tuesday to set the stage for discussions the following day between the Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers.

Kashmir issue

Relations between Pakistan and India have been frosty since independence from Britain half a century ago. They have been squabbling and fighting over Kashmir, the mountainous territory with a Muslim majority claimed by both countries.

There have been two full-scale wars over the region -- one in 1947 and another in 1965 -- followed by decades of endless exchanges of fire across the Line Of Control that divides Kashmir into Indian and Pakistani sections. China also controls a portion of the region.

Human rights organizations estimate more than 60,000 people have been killed in violence there since a militant insurgency began in Kashmir 15 years ago.

In recent years, the territory has been wracked by the mounting insurgency and there were fears the two countries were on the brink of full-scale war during a tense standoff and military build-up sparked by a militant attack on Parliament in New Delhi in December 2001.

But in late 2003, tensions began to ease and a two-month-old cease fire between their two armies along the Line of Control has already helped to improve the atmosphere.

Musharraf and Indian counterpart Vajpayee agreed to restart the peace process during a groundbreaking meeting in January.

Musharraf pledged that he would not allow Pakistan to be used as a base for terrorist activity at the talks, which marked a sea change in decades of bitter rivalry between the foes.

"Ladies and gentlemen, history has been made," Musharraf said last month when announcing a breakthrough in relations with its long-time adversary.


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Subscribe to Time for $1.99 cover
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Iran poll to go to run-off
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© 2005 Cable News Network LP, LLLP.
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Read our privacy guidelines. Contact us.
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ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (CNN) -- Three days of landmark talks between bitter foes India and Pakistan have opened in Islamabad, with the long-standing dispute over Kashmir expected to be the main focus.

Despite being dubbed "talks about talks," officials say the discussions -- the first in more than two years -- will be comprehensive with hopes the nuclear-armed neighbors will restore peace negotiations shattered in 2001.

But no breakthroughs are expected during the initial round of meetings between foreign ministry officials.

Instead, officials say they will mainly try to set up an agenda and other logistics for further talks over the next few months that could lead to a summit between Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee.

On Monday, Jalil Abbas Jilani, the director-general for South Asia in Pakistan's Foreign Ministry, shook hands with India's Arun Singh, a joint secretary in the External Affairs ministry, before beginning the meeting.

Lower-level officials will meet again Tuesday to set the stage for discussions the following day between the Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers.

Kashmir issue

Relations between Pakistan and India have been frosty since independence from Britain half a century ago. They have been squabbling and fighting over Kashmir, the mountainous territory with a Muslim majority claimed by both countries.

There have been two full-scale wars over the region -- one in 1947 and another in 1965 -- followed by decades of endless exchanges of fire across the Line Of Control that divides Kashmir into Indian and Pakistani sections. China also controls a portion of the region.

Human rights organizations estimate more than 60,000 people have been killed in violence there since a militant insurgency began in Kashmir 15 years ago.

In recent years, the territory has been wracked by the mounting insurgency and there were fears the two countries were on the brink of full-scale war during a tense standoff and military build-up sparked by a militant attack on Parliament in New Delhi in December 2001.

But in late 2003, tensions began to ease and a two-month-old cease fire between their two armies along the Line of Control has already helped to improve the atmosphere.

Musharraf and Indian counterpart Vajpayee agreed to restart the peace process during a groundbreaking meeting in January.

Musharraf pledged that he would not allow Pakistan to be used as a base for terrorist activity at the talks, which marked a sea change in decades of bitter rivalry between the foes.

"Ladies and gentlemen, history has been made," Musharraf said last month when announcing a breakthrough in relations with its long-time adversary.


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Subscribe to Time for $1.99 cover
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Iran poll to go to run-off
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© 2005 Cable News Network LP, LLLP.
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Terms under which this service is provided to you.
Read our privacy guidelines. Contact us.
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ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (CNN) -- Three days of landmark talks between bitter foes India and Pakistan have opened in Islamabad, with the long-standing dispute over Kashmir expected to be the main focus.

Despite being dubbed "talks about talks," officials say the discussions -- the first in more than two years -- will be comprehensive with hopes the nuclear-armed neighbors will restore peace negotiations shattered in 2001.

But no breakthroughs are expected during the initial round of meetings between foreign ministry officials.

Instead, officials say they will mainly try to set up an agenda and other logistics for further talks over the next few months that could lead to a summit between Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee.

On Monday, Jalil Abbas Jilani, the director-general for South Asia in Pakistan's Foreign Ministry, shook hands with India's Arun Singh, a joint secretary in the External Affairs ministry, before beginning the meeting.

Lower-level officials will meet again Tuesday to set the stage for discussions the following day between the Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers.

Kashmir issue

Relations between Pakistan and India have been frosty since independence from Britain half a century ago. They have been squabbling and fighting over Kashmir, the mountainous territory with a Muslim majority claimed by both countries.

There have been two full-scale wars over the region -- one in 1947 and another in 1965 -- followed by decades of endless exchanges of fire across the Line Of Control that divides Kashmir into Indian and Pakistani sections. China also controls a portion of the region.

Human rights organizations estimate more than 60,000 people have been killed in violence there since a militant insurgency began in Kashmir 15 years ago.

In recent years, the territory has been wracked by the mounting insurgency and there were fears the two countries were on the brink of full-scale war during a tense standoff and military build-up sparked by a militant attack on Parliament in New Delhi in December 2001.

But in late 2003, tensions began to ease and a two-month-old cease fire between their two armies along the Line of Control has already helped to improve the atmosphere.

Musharraf and Indian counterpart Vajpayee agreed to restart the peace process during a groundbreaking meeting in January.

Musharraf pledged that he would not allow Pakistan to be used as a base for terrorist activity at the talks, which marked a sea change in decades of bitter rivalry between the foes.

"Ladies and gentlemen, history has been made," Musharraf said last month when announcing a breakthrough in relations with its long-time adversary.


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Subscribe to Time for $1.99 cover
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Iran poll to go to run-off
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© 2005 Cable News Network LP, LLLP.
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Terms under which this service is provided to you.
Read our privacy guidelines. Contact us.
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ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (CNN) -- Three days of landmark talks between bitter foes India and Pakistan have opened in Islamabad, with the long-standing dispute over Kashmir expected to be the main focus.

Despite being dubbed "talks about talks," officials say the discussions -- the first in more than two years -- will be comprehensive with hopes the nuclear-armed neighbors will restore peace negotiations shattered in 2001.

But no breakthroughs are expected during the initial round of meetings between foreign ministry officials.

Instead, officials say they will mainly try to set up an agenda and other logistics for further talks over the next few months that could lead to a summit between Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee.

On Monday, Jalil Abbas Jilani, the director-general for South Asia in Pakistan's Foreign Ministry, shook hands with India's Arun Singh, a joint secretary in the External Affairs ministry, before beginning the meeting.

Lower-level officials will meet again Tuesday to set the stage for discussions the following day between the Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers.

Kashmir issue

Relations between Pakistan and India have been frosty since independence from Britain half a century ago. They have been squabbling and fighting over Kashmir, the mountainous territory with a Muslim majority claimed by both countries.

There have been two full-scale wars over the region -- one in 1947 and another in 1965 -- followed by decades of endless exchanges of fire across the Line Of Control that divides Kashmir into Indian and Pakistani sections. China also controls a portion of the region.

Human rights organizations estimate more than 60,000 people have been killed in violence there since a militant insurgency began in Kashmir 15 years ago.

In recent years, the territory has been wracked by the mounting insurgency and there were fears the two countries were on the brink of full-scale war during a tense standoff and military build-up sparked by a militant attack on Parliament in New Delhi in December 2001.

But in late 2003, tensions began to ease and a two-month-old cease fire between their two armies along the Line of Control has already helped to improve the atmosphere.

Musharraf and Indian counterpart Vajpayee agreed to restart the peace process during a groundbreaking meeting in January.

Musharraf pledged that he would not allow Pakistan to be used as a base for terrorist activity at the talks, which marked a sea change in decades of bitter rivalry between the foes.

"Ladies and gentlemen, history has been made," Musharraf said last month when announcing a breakthrough in relations with its long-time adversary.


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Subscribe to Time for $1.99 cover
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Iran poll to go to run-off
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© 2005 Cable News Network LP, LLLP.
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Read our privacy guidelines. Contact us.
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ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (CNN) -- Three days of landmark talks between bitter foes India and Pakistan have opened in Islamabad, with the long-standing dispute over Kashmir expected to be the main focus.

Despite being dubbed "talks about talks," officials say the discussions -- the first in more than two years -- will be comprehensive with hopes the nuclear-armed neighbors will restore peace negotiations shattered in 2001.

But no breakthroughs are expected during the initial round of meetings between foreign ministry officials.

Instead, officials say they will mainly try to set up an agenda and other logistics for further talks over the next few months that could lead to a summit between Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee.

On Monday, Jalil Abbas Jilani, the director-general for South Asia in Pakistan's Foreign Ministry, shook hands with India's Arun Singh, a joint secretary in the External Affairs ministry, before beginning the meeting.

Lower-level officials will meet again Tuesday to set the stage for discussions the following day between the Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers.

Kashmir issue

Relations between Pakistan and India have been frosty since independence from Britain half a century ago. They have been squabbling and fighting over Kashmir, the mountainous territory with a Muslim majority claimed by both countries.

There have been two full-scale wars over the region -- one in 1947 and another in 1965 -- followed by decades of endless exchanges of fire across the Line Of Control that divides Kashmir into Indian and Pakistani sections. China also controls a portion of the region.

Human rights organizations estimate more than 60,000 people have been killed in violence there since a militant insurgency began in Kashmir 15 years ago.

In recent years, the territory has been wracked by the mounting insurgency and there were fears the two countries were on the brink of full-scale war during a tense standoff and military build-up sparked by a militant attack on Parliament in New Delhi in December 2001.

But in late 2003, tensions began to ease and a two-month-old cease fire between their two armies along the Line of Control has already helped to improve the atmosphere.

Musharraf and Indian counterpart Vajpayee agreed to restart the peace process during a groundbreaking meeting in January.

Musharraf pledged that he would not allow Pakistan to be used as a base for terrorist activity at the talks, which marked a sea change in decades of bitter rivalry between the foes.

"Ladies and gentlemen, history has been made," Musharraf said last month when announcing a breakthrough in relations with its long-time adversary.


Story Tools
Subscribe to Time for $1.99 cover
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Iran poll to go to run-off
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© 2005 Cable News Network LP, LLLP.
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Read our privacy guidelines. Contact us.
external link
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ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (CNN) -- Three days of landmark talks between bitter foes India and Pakistan have opened in Islamabad, with the long-standing dispute over Kashmir expected to be the main focus.

Despite being dubbed "talks about talks," officials say the discussions -- the first in more than two years -- will be comprehensive with hopes the nuclear-armed neighbors will restore peace negotiations shattered in 2001.

But no breakthroughs are expected during the initial round of meetings between foreign ministry officials.

Instead, officials say they will mainly try to set up an agenda and other logistics for further talks over the next few months that could lead to a summit between Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee.

On Monday, Jalil Abbas Jilani, the director-general for South Asia in Pakistan's Foreign Ministry, shook hands with India's Arun Singh, a joint secretary in the External Affairs ministry, before beginning the meeting.

Lower-level officials will meet again Tuesday to set the stage for discussions the following day between the Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers.

Kashmir issue

Relations between Pakistan and India have been frosty since independence from Britain half a century ago. They have been squabbling and fighting over Kashmir, the mountainous territory with a Muslim majority claimed by both countries.

There have been two full-scale wars over the region -- one in 1947 and another in 1965 -- followed by decades of endless exchanges of fire across the Line Of Control that divides Kashmir into Indian and Pakistani sections. China also controls a portion of the region.

Human rights organizations estimate more than 60,000 people have been killed in violence there since a militant insurgency began in Kashmir 15 years ago.

In recent years, the territory has been wracked by the mounting insurgency and there were fears the two countries were on the brink of full-scale war during a tense standoff and military build-up sparked by a militant attack on Parliament in New Delhi in December 2001.

But in late 2003, tensions began to ease and a two-month-old cease fire between their two armies along the Line of Control has already helped to improve the atmosphere.

Musharraf and Indian counterpart Vajpayee agreed to restart the peace process during a groundbreaking meeting in January.

Musharraf pledged that he would not allow Pakistan to be used as a base for terrorist activity at the talks, which marked a sea change in decades of bitter rivalry between the foes.

"Ladies and gentlemen, history has been made," Musharraf said last month when announcing a breakthrough in relations with its long-time adversary.


Story Tools
Subscribe to Time for $1.99 cover
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Iran poll to go to run-off
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© 2005 Cable News Network LP, LLLP.
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Terms under which this service is provided to you.
Read our privacy guidelines. Contact us.
external link
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CNN.com does not endorse external sites.
 Premium content icon Denotes premium content.
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ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (CNN) -- Three days of landmark talks between bitter foes India and Pakistan have opened in Islamabad, with the long-standing dispute over Kashmir expected to be the main focus.

Despite being dubbed "talks about talks," officials say the discussions -- the first in more than two years -- will be comprehensive with hopes the nuclear-armed neighbors will restore peace negotiations shattered in 2001.

But no breakthroughs are expected during the initial round of meetings between foreign ministry officials.

Instead, officials say they will mainly try to set up an agenda and other logistics for further talks over the next few months that could lead to a summit between Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee.

On Monday, Jalil Abbas Jilani, the director-general for South Asia in Pakistan's Foreign Ministry, shook hands with India's Arun Singh, a joint secretary in the External Affairs ministry, before beginning the meeting.

Lower-level officials will meet again Tuesday to set the stage for discussions the following day between the Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers.

Kashmir issue

Relations between Pakistan and India have been frosty since independence from Britain half a century ago. They have been squabbling and fighting over Kashmir, the mountainous territory with a Muslim majority claimed by both countries.

There have been two full-scale wars over the region -- one in 1947 and another in 1965 -- followed by decades of endless exchanges of fire across the Line Of Control that divides Kashmir into Indian and Pakistani sections. China also controls a portion of the region.

Human rights organizations estimate more than 60,000 people have been killed in violence there since a militant insurgency began in Kashmir 15 years ago.

In recent years, the territory has been wracked by the mounting insurgency and there were fears the two countries were on the brink of full-scale war during a tense standoff and military build-up sparked by a militant attack on Parliament in New Delhi in December 2001.

But in late 2003, tensions began to ease and a two-month-old cease fire between their two armies along the Line of Control has already helped to improve the atmosphere.

Musharraf and Indian counterpart Vajpayee agreed to restart the peace process during a groundbreaking meeting in January.

Musharraf pledged that he would not allow Pakistan to be used as a base for terrorist activity at the talks, which marked a sea change in decades of bitter rivalry between the foes.

"Ladies and gentlemen, history has been made," Musharraf said last month when announcing a breakthrough in relations with its long-time adversary.


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Subscribe to Time for $1.99 cover
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Iran poll to go to run-off
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© 2005 Cable News Network LP, LLLP.
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Terms under which this service is provided to you.
Read our privacy guidelines. Contact us.
external link
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CNN.com does not endorse external sites.
 Premium content icon Denotes premium content.
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ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (CNN) -- Three days of landmark talks between bitter foes India and Pakistan have opened in Islamabad, with the long-standing dispute over Kashmir expected to be the main focus.

Despite being dubbed "talks about talks," officials say the discussions -- the first in more than two years -- will be comprehensive with hopes the nuclear-armed neighbors will restore peace negotiations shattered in 2001.

But no breakthroughs are expected during the initial round of meetings between foreign ministry officials.

Instead, officials say they will mainly try to set up an agenda and other logistics for further talks over the next few months that could lead to a summit between Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee.

On Monday, Jalil Abbas Jilani, the director-general for South Asia in Pakistan's Foreign Ministry, shook hands with India's Arun Singh, a joint secretary in the External Affairs ministry, before beginning the meeting.

Lower-level officials will meet again Tuesday to set the stage for discussions the following day between the Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers.

Kashmir issue

Relations between Pakistan and India have been frosty since independence from Britain half a century ago. They have been squabbling and fighting over Kashmir, the mountainous territory with a Muslim majority claimed by both countries.

There have been two full-scale wars over the region -- one in 1947 and another in 1965 -- followed by decades of endless exchanges of fire across the Line Of Control that divides Kashmir into Indian and Pakistani sections. China also controls a portion of the region.

Human rights organizations estimate more than 60,000 people have been killed in violence there since a militant insurgency began in Kashmir 15 years ago.

In recent years, the territory has been wracked by the mounting insurgency and there were fears the two countries were on the brink of full-scale war during a tense standoff and military build-up sparked by a militant attack on Parliament in New Delhi in December 2001.

But in late 2003, tensions began to ease and a two-month-old cease fire between their two armies along the Line of Control has already helped to improve the atmosphere.

Musharraf and Indian counterpart Vajpayee agreed to restart the peace process during a groundbreaking meeting in January.

Musharraf pledged that he would not allow Pakistan to be used as a base for terrorist activity at the talks, which marked a sea change in decades of bitter rivalry between the foes.

"Ladies and gentlemen, history has been made," Musharraf said last month when announcing a breakthrough in relations with its long-time adversary.


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ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (CNN) -- Three days of landmark talks between bitter foes India and Pakistan have opened in Islamabad, with the long-standing dispute over Kashmir expected to be the main focus.

Despite being dubbed "talks about talks," officials say the discussions -- the first in more than two years -- will be comprehensive with hopes the nuclear-armed neighbors will restore peace negotiations shattered in 2001.

But no breakthroughs are expected during the initial round of meetings between foreign ministry officials.

Instead, officials say they will mainly try to set up an agenda and other logistics for further talks over the next few months that could lead to a summit between Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee.

On Monday, Jalil Abbas Jilani, the director-general for South Asia in Pakistan's Foreign Ministry, shook hands with India's Arun Singh, a joint secretary in the External Affairs ministry, before beginning the meeting.

Lower-level officials will meet again Tuesday to set the stage for discussions the following day between the Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers.

Kashmir issue

Relations between Pakistan and India have been frosty since independence from Britain half a century ago. They have been squabbling and fighting over Kashmir, the mountainous territory with a Muslim majority claimed by both countries.

There have been two full-scale wars over the region -- one in 1947 and another in 1965 -- followed by decades of endless exchanges of fire across the Line Of Control that divides Kashmir into Indian and Pakistani sections. China also controls a portion of the region.

Human rights organizations estimate more than 60,000 people have been killed in violence there since a militant insurgency began in Kashmir 15 years ago.

In recent years, the territory has been wracked by the mounting insurgency and there were fears the two countries were on the brink of full-scale war during a tense standoff and military build-up sparked by a militant attack on Parliament in New Delhi in December 2001.

But in late 2003, tensions began to ease and a two-month-old cease fire between their two armies along the Line of Control has already helped to improve the atmosphere.

Musharraf and Indian counterpart Vajpayee agreed to restart the peace process during a groundbreaking meeting in January.

Musharraf pledged that he would not allow Pakistan to be used as a base for terrorist activity at the talks, which marked a sea change in decades of bitter rivalry between the foes.

"Ladies and gentlemen, history has been made," Musharraf said last month when announcing a breakthrough in relations with its long-time adversary.


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ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (CNN) -- Three days of landmark talks between bitter foes India and Pakistan have opened in Islamabad, with the long-standing dispute over Kashmir expected to be the main focus.

Despite being dubbed "talks about talks," officials say the discussions -- the first in more than two years -- will be comprehensive with hopes the nuclear-armed neighbors will restore peace negotiations shattered in 2001.

But no breakthroughs are expected during the initial round of meetings between foreign ministry officials.

Instead, officials say they will mainly try to set up an agenda and other logistics for further talks over the next few months that could lead to a summit between Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee.

On Monday, Jalil Abbas Jilani, the director-general for South Asia in Pakistan's Foreign Ministry, shook hands with India's Arun Singh, a joint secretary in the External Affairs ministry, before beginning the meeting.

Lower-level officials will meet again Tuesday to set the stage for discussions the following day between the Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers.

Kashmir issue

Relations between Pakistan and India have been frosty since independence from Britain half a century ago. They have been squabbling and fighting over Kashmir, the mountainous territory with a Muslim majority claimed by both countries.

There have been two full-scale wars over the region -- one in 1947 and another in 1965 -- followed by decades of endless exchanges of fire across the Line Of Control that divides Kashmir into Indian and Pakistani sections. China also controls a portion of the region.

Human rights organizations estimate more than 60,000 people have been killed in violence there since a militant insurgency began in Kashmir 15 years ago.

In recent years, the territory has been wracked by the mounting insurgency and there were fears the two countries were on the brink of full-scale war during a tense standoff and military build-up sparked by a militant attack on Parliament in New Delhi in December 2001.

But in late 2003, tensions began to ease and a two-month-old cease fire between their two armies along the Line of Control has already helped to improve the atmosphere.

Musharraf and Indian counterpart Vajpayee agreed to restart the peace process during a groundbreaking meeting in January.

Musharraf pledged that he would not allow Pakistan to be used as a base for terrorist activity at the talks, which marked a sea change in decades of bitter rivalry between the foes.

"Ladies and gentlemen, history has been made," Musharraf said last month when announcing a breakthrough in relations with its long-time adversary.


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ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (CNN) -- Three days of landmark talks between bitter foes India and Pakistan have opened in Islamabad, with the long-standing dispute over Kashmir expected to be the main focus.

Despite being dubbed "talks about talks," officials say the discussions -- the first in more than two years -- will be comprehensive with hopes the nuclear-armed neighbors will restore peace negotiations shattered in 2001.

But no breakthroughs are expected during the initial round of meetings between foreign ministry officials.

Instead, officials say they will mainly try to set up an agenda and other logistics for further talks over the next few months that could lead to a summit between Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee.

On Monday, Jalil Abbas Jilani, the director-general for South Asia in Pakistan's Foreign Ministry, shook hands with India's Arun Singh, a joint secretary in the External Affairs ministry, before beginning the meeting.

Lower-level officials will meet again Tuesday to set the stage for discussions the following day between the Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers.

Kashmir issue

Relations between Pakistan and India have been frosty since independence from Britain half a century ago. They have been squabbling and fighting over Kashmir, the mountainous territory with a Muslim majority claimed by both countries.

There have been two full-scale wars over the region -- one in 1947 and another in 1965 -- followed by decades of endless exchanges of fire across the Line Of Control that divides Kashmir into Indian and Pakistani sections. China also controls a portion of the region.

Human rights organizations estimate more than 60,000 people have been killed in violence there since a militant insurgency began in Kashmir 15 years ago.

In recent years, the territory has been wracked by the mounting insurgency and there were fears the two countries were on the brink of full-scale war during a tense standoff and military build-up sparked by a militant attack on Parliament in New Delhi in December 2001.

But in late 2003, tensions began to ease and a two-month-old cease fire between their two armies along the Line of Control has already helped to improve the atmosphere.

Musharraf and Indian counterpart Vajpayee agreed to restart the peace process during a groundbreaking meeting in January.

Musharraf pledged that he would not allow Pakistan to be used as a base for terrorist activity at the talks, which marked a sea change in decades of bitter rivalry between the foes.

"Ladies and gentlemen, history has been made," Musharraf said last month when announcing a breakthrough in relations with its long-time adversary.


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ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (CNN) -- Three days of landmark talks between bitter foes India and Pakistan have opened in Islamabad, with the long-standing dispute over Kashmir expected to be the main focus.

Despite being dubbed "talks about talks," officials say the discussions -- the first in more than two years -- will be comprehensive with hopes the nuclear-armed neighbors will restore peace negotiations shattered in 2001.

But no breakthroughs are expected during the initial round of meetings between foreign ministry officials.

Instead, officials say they will mainly try to set up an agenda and other logistics for further talks over the next few months that could lead to a summit between Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee.

On Monday, Jalil Abbas Jilani, the director-general for South Asia in Pakistan's Foreign Ministry, shook hands with India's Arun Singh, a joint secretary in the External Affairs ministry, before beginning the meeting.

Lower-level officials will meet again Tuesday to set the stage for discussions the following day between the Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers.

Kashmir issue

Relations between Pakistan and India have been frosty since independence from Britain half a century ago. They have been squabbling and fighting over Kashmir, the mountainous territory with a Muslim majority claimed by both countries.

There have been two full-scale wars over the region -- one in 1947 and another in 1965 -- followed by decades of endless exchanges of fire across the Line Of Control that divides Kashmir into Indian and Pakistani sections. China also controls a portion of the region.

Human rights organizations estimate more than 60,000 people have been killed in violence there since a militant insurgency began in Kashmir 15 years ago.

In recent years, the territory has been wracked by the mounting insurgency and there were fears the two countries were on the brink of full-scale war during a tense standoff and military build-up sparked by a militant attack on Parliament in New Delhi in December 2001.

But in late 2003, tensions began to ease and a two-month-old cease fire between their two armies along the Line of Control has already helped to improve the atmosphere.

Musharraf and Indian counterpart Vajpayee agreed to restart the peace process during a groundbreaking meeting in January.

Musharraf pledged that he would not allow Pakistan to be used as a base for terrorist activity at the talks, which marked a sea change in decades of bitter rivalry between the foes.

"Ladies and gentlemen, history has been made," Musharraf said last month when announcing a breakthrough in relations with its long-time adversary.


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Subscribe to Time for $1.99 cover
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Iran poll to go to run-off
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ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (CNN) -- Three days of landmark talks between bitter foes India and Pakistan have opened in Islamabad, with the long-standing dispute over Kashmir expected to be the main focus.

Despite being dubbed "talks about talks," officials say the discussions -- the first in more than two years -- will be comprehensive with hopes the nuclear-armed neighbors will restore peace negotiations shattered in 2001.

But no breakthroughs are expected during the initial round of meetings between foreign ministry officials.

Instead, officials say they will mainly try to set up an agenda and other logistics for further talks over the next few months that could lead to a summit between Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee.

On Monday, Jalil Abbas Jilani, the director-general for South Asia in Pakistan's Foreign Ministry, shook hands with India's Arun Singh, a joint secretary in the External Affairs ministry, before beginning the meeting.

Lower-level officials will meet again Tuesday to set the stage for discussions the following day between the Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers.

Kashmir issue

Relations between Pakistan and India have been frosty since independence from Britain half a century ago. They have been squabbling and fighting over Kashmir, the mountainous territory with a Muslim majority claimed by both countries.

There have been two full-scale wars over the region -- one in 1947 and another in 1965 -- followed by decades of endless exchanges of fire across the Line Of Control that divides Kashmir into Indian and Pakistani sections. China also controls a portion of the region.

Human rights organizations estimate more than 60,000 people have been killed in violence there since a militant insurgency began in Kashmir 15 years ago.

In recent years, the territory has been wracked by the mounting insurgency and there were fears the two countries were on the brink of full-scale war during a tense standoff and military build-up sparked by a militant attack on Parliament in New Delhi in December 2001.

But in late 2003, tensions began to ease and a two-month-old cease fire between their two armies along the Line of Control has already helped to improve the atmosphere.

Musharraf and Indian counterpart Vajpayee agreed to restart the peace process during a groundbreaking meeting in January.

Musharraf pledged that he would not allow Pakistan to be used as a base for terrorist activity at the talks, which marked a sea change in decades of bitter rivalry between the foes.

"Ladies and gentlemen, history has been made," Musharraf said last month when announcing a breakthrough in relations with its long-time adversary.


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Subscribe to Time for $1.99 cover
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Iran poll to go to run-off
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© 2005 Cable News Network LP, LLLP.
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Terms under which this service is provided to you.
Read our privacy guidelines. Contact us.
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ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (CNN) -- Three days of landmark talks between bitter foes India and Pakistan have opened in Islamabad, with the long-standing dispute over Kashmir expected to be the main focus.

Despite being dubbed "talks about talks," officials say the discussions -- the first in more than two years -- will be comprehensive with hopes the nuclear-armed neighbors will restore peace negotiations shattered in 2001.

But no breakthroughs are expected during the initial round of meetings between foreign ministry officials.

Instead, officials say they will mainly try to set up an agenda and other logistics for further talks over the next few months that could lead to a summit between Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee.

On Monday, Jalil Abbas Jilani, the director-general for South Asia in Pakistan's Foreign Ministry, shook hands with India's Arun Singh, a joint secretary in the External Affairs ministry, before beginning the meeting.

Lower-level officials will meet again Tuesday to set the stage for discussions the following day between the Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers.

Kashmir issue

Relations between Pakistan and India have been frosty since independence from Britain half a century ago. They have been squabbling and fighting over Kashmir, the mountainous territory with a Muslim majority claimed by both countries.

There have been two full-scale wars over the region -- one in 1947 and another in 1965 -- followed by decades of endless exchanges of fire across the Line Of Control that divides Kashmir into Indian and Pakistani sections. China also controls a portion of the region.

Human rights organizations estimate more than 60,000 people have been killed in violence there since a militant insurgency began in Kashmir 15 years ago.

In recent years, the territory has been wracked by the mounting insurgency and there were fears the two countries were on the brink of full-scale war during a tense standoff and military build-up sparked by a militant attack on Parliament in New Delhi in December 2001.

But in late 2003, tensions began to ease and a two-month-old cease fire between their two armies along the Line of Control has already helped to improve the atmosphere.

Musharraf and Indian counterpart Vajpayee agreed to restart the peace process during a groundbreaking meeting in January.

Musharraf pledged that he would not allow Pakistan to be used as a base for terrorist activity at the talks, which marked a sea change in decades of bitter rivalry between the foes.

"Ladies and gentlemen, history has been made," Musharraf said last month when announcing a breakthrough in relations with its long-time adversary.


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Subscribe to Time for $1.99 cover
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Iran poll to go to run-off
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Read our privacy guidelines. Contact us.
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ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (CNN) -- Three days of landmark talks between bitter foes India and Pakistan have opened in Islamabad, with the long-standing dispute over Kashmir expected to be the main focus.

Despite being dubbed "talks about talks," officials say the discussions -- the first in more than two years -- will be comprehensive with hopes the nuclear-armed neighbors will restore peace negotiations shattered in 2001.

But no breakthroughs are expected during the initial round of meetings between foreign ministry officials.

Instead, officials say they will mainly try to set up an agenda and other logistics for further talks over the next few months that could lead to a summit between Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee.

On Monday, Jalil Abbas Jilani, the director-general for South Asia in Pakistan's Foreign Ministry, shook hands with India's Arun Singh, a joint secretary in the External Affairs ministry, before beginning the meeting.

Lower-level officials will meet again Tuesday to set the stage for discussions the following day between the Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers.

Kashmir issue

Relations between Pakistan and India have been frosty since independence from Britain half a century ago. They have been squabbling and fighting over Kashmir, the mountainous territory with a Muslim majority claimed by both countries.

There have been two full-scale wars over the region -- one in 1947 and another in 1965 -- followed by decades of endless exchanges of fire across the Line Of Control that divides Kashmir into Indian and Pakistani sections. China also controls a portion of the region.

Human rights organizations estimate more than 60,000 people have been killed in violence there since a militant insurgency began in Kashmir 15 years ago.

In recent years, the territory has been wracked by the mounting insurgency and there were fears the two countries were on the brink of full-scale war during a tense standoff and military build-up sparked by a militant attack on Parliament in New Delhi in December 2001.

But in late 2003, tensions began to ease and a two-month-old cease fire between their two armies along the Line of Control has already helped to improve the atmosphere.

Musharraf and Indian counterpart Vajpayee agreed to restart the peace process during a groundbreaking meeting in January.

Musharraf pledged that he would not allow Pakistan to be used as a base for terrorist activity at the talks, which marked a sea change in decades of bitter rivalry between the foes.

"Ladies and gentlemen, history has been made," Musharraf said last month when announcing a breakthrough in relations with its long-time adversary.


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Subscribe to Time for $1.99 cover
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Iran poll to go to run-off
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Read our privacy guidelines. Contact us.
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ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (CNN) -- Three days of landmark talks between bitter foes India and Pakistan have opened in Islamabad, with the long-standing dispute over Kashmir expected to be the main focus.

Despite being dubbed "talks about talks," officials say the discussions -- the first in more than two years -- will be comprehensive with hopes the nuclear-armed neighbors will restore peace negotiations shattered in 2001.

But no breakthroughs are expected during the initial round of meetings between foreign ministry officials.

Instead, officials say they will mainly try to set up an agenda and other logistics for further talks over the next few months that could lead to a summit between Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee.

On Monday, Jalil Abbas Jilani, the director-general for South Asia in Pakistan's Foreign Ministry, shook hands with India's Arun Singh, a joint secretary in the External Affairs ministry, before beginning the meeting.

Lower-level officials will meet again Tuesday to set the stage for discussions the following day between the Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers.

Kashmir issue

Relations between Pakistan and India have been frosty since independence from Britain half a century ago. They have been squabbling and fighting over Kashmir, the mountainous territory with a Muslim majority claimed by both countries.

There have been two full-scale wars over the region -- one in 1947 and another in 1965 -- followed by decades of endless exchanges of fire across the Line Of Control that divides Kashmir into Indian and Pakistani sections. China also controls a portion of the region.

Human rights organizations estimate more than 60,000 people have been killed in violence there since a militant insurgency began in Kashmir 15 years ago.

In recent years, the territory has been wracked by the mounting insurgency and there were fears the two countries were on the brink of full-scale war during a tense standoff and military build-up sparked by a militant attack on Parliament in New Delhi in December 2001.

But in late 2003, tensions began to ease and a two-month-old cease fire between their two armies along the Line of Control has already helped to improve the atmosphere.

Musharraf and Indian counterpart Vajpayee agreed to restart the peace process during a groundbreaking meeting in January.

Musharraf pledged that he would not allow Pakistan to be used as a base for terrorist activity at the talks, which marked a sea change in decades of bitter rivalry between the foes.

"Ladies and gentlemen, history has been made," Musharraf said last month when announcing a breakthrough in relations with its long-time adversary.


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Subscribe to Time for $1.99 cover
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Iran poll to go to run-off
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CNN/Money: Security alert issued for 40 million credit cards
 
 
 
 

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© 2005 Cable News Network LP, LLLP.
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Read our privacy guidelines. Contact us.
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ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (CNN) -- Three days of landmark talks between bitter foes India and Pakistan have opened in Islamabad, with the long-standing dispute over Kashmir expected to be the main focus.

Despite being dubbed "talks about talks," officials say the discussions -- the first in more than two years -- will be comprehensive with hopes the nuclear-armed neighbors will restore peace negotiations shattered in 2001.

But no breakthroughs are expected during the initial round of meetings between foreign ministry officials.

Instead, officials say they will mainly try to set up an agenda and other logistics for further talks over the next few months that could lead to a summit between Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee.

On Monday, Jalil Abbas Jilani, the director-general for South Asia in Pakistan's Foreign Ministry, shook hands with India's Arun Singh, a joint secretary in the External Affairs ministry, before beginning the meeting.

Lower-level officials will meet again Tuesday to set the stage for discussions the following day between the Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers.

Kashmir issue

Relations between Pakistan and India have been frosty since independence from Britain half a century ago. They have been squabbling and fighting over Kashmir, the mountainous territory with a Muslim majority claimed by both countries.

There have been two full-scale wars over the region -- one in 1947 and another in 1965 -- followed by decades of endless exchanges of fire across the Line Of Control that divides Kashmir into Indian and Pakistani sections. China also controls a portion of the region.

Human rights organizations estimate more than 60,000 people have been killed in violence there since a militant insurgency began in Kashmir 15 years ago.

In recent years, the territory has been wracked by the mounting insurgency and there were fears the two countries were on the brink of full-scale war during a tense standoff and military build-up sparked by a militant attack on Parliament in New Delhi in December 2001.

But in late 2003, tensions began to ease and a two-month-old cease fire between their two armies along the Line of Control has already helped to improve the atmosphere.

Musharraf and Indian counterpart Vajpayee agreed to restart the peace process during a groundbreaking meeting in January.

Musharraf pledged that he would not allow Pakistan to be used as a base for terrorist activity at the talks, which marked a sea change in decades of bitter rivalry between the foes.

"Ladies and gentlemen, history has been made," Musharraf said last month when announcing a breakthrough in relations with its long-time adversary.


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Subscribe to Time for $1.99 cover
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Iran poll to go to run-off
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© 2005 Cable News Network LP, LLLP.
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Terms under which this service is provided to you.
Read our privacy guidelines. Contact us.
external link
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CNN.com does not endorse external sites.
 Premium content icon Denotes premium content.
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ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (CNN) -- Three days of landmark talks between bitter foes India and Pakistan have opened in Islamabad, with the long-standing dispute over Kashmir expected to be the main focus.

Despite being dubbed "talks about talks," officials say the discussions -- the first in more than two years -- will be comprehensive with hopes the nuclear-armed neighbors will restore peace negotiations shattered in 2001.

But no breakthroughs are expected during the initial round of meetings between foreign ministry officials.

Instead, officials say they will mainly try to set up an agenda and other logistics for further talks over the next few months that could lead to a summit between Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee.

On Monday, Jalil Abbas Jilani, the director-general for South Asia in Pakistan's Foreign Ministry, shook hands with India's Arun Singh, a joint secretary in the External Affairs ministry, before beginning the meeting.

Lower-level officials will meet again Tuesday to set the stage for discussions the following day between the Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers.

Kashmir issue

Relations between Pakistan and India have been frosty since independence from Britain half a century ago. They have been squabbling and fighting over Kashmir, the mountainous territory with a Muslim majority claimed by both countries.

There have been two full-scale wars over the region -- one in 1947 and another in 1965 -- followed by decades of endless exchanges of fire across the Line Of Control that divides Kashmir into Indian and Pakistani sections. China also controls a portion of the region.

Human rights organizations estimate more than 60,000 people have been killed in violence there since a militant insurgency began in Kashmir 15 years ago.

In recent years, the territory has been wracked by the mounting insurgency and there were fears the two countries were on the brink of full-scale war during a tense standoff and military build-up sparked by a militant attack on Parliament in New Delhi in December 2001.

But in late 2003, tensions began to ease and a two-month-old cease fire between their two armies along the Line of Control has already helped to improve the atmosphere.

Musharraf and Indian counterpart Vajpayee agreed to restart the peace process during a groundbreaking meeting in January.

Musharraf pledged that he would not allow Pakistan to be used as a base for terrorist activity at the talks, which marked a sea change in decades of bitter rivalry between the foes.

"Ladies and gentlemen, history has been made," Musharraf said last month when announcing a breakthrough in relations with its long-time adversary.


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Iran poll to go to run-off
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© 2005 Cable News Network LP, LLLP.
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ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (CNN) -- Three days of landmark talks between bitter foes India and Pakistan have opened in Islamabad, with the long-standing dispute over Kashmir expected to be the main focus.

Despite being dubbed "talks about talks," officials say the discussions -- the first in more than two years -- will be comprehensive with hopes the nuclear-armed neighbors will restore peace negotiations shattered in 2001.

But no breakthroughs are expected during the initial round of meetings between foreign ministry officials.

Instead, officials say they will mainly try to set up an agenda and other logistics for further talks over the next few months that could lead to a summit between Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee.

On Monday, Jalil Abbas Jilani, the director-general for South Asia in Pakistan's Foreign Ministry, shook hands with India's Arun Singh, a joint secretary in the External Affairs ministry, before beginning the meeting.

Lower-level officials will meet again Tuesday to set the stage for discussions the following day between the Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers.

Kashmir issue

Relations between Pakistan and India have been frosty since independence from Britain half a century ago. They have been squabbling and fighting over Kashmir, the mountainous territory with a Muslim majority claimed by both countries.

There have been two full-scale wars over the region -- one in 1947 and another in 1965 -- followed by decades of endless exchanges of fire across the Line Of Control that divides Kashmir into Indian and Pakistani sections. China also controls a portion of the region.

Human rights organizations estimate more than 60,000 people have been killed in violence there since a militant insurgency began in Kashmir 15 years ago.

In recent years, the territory has been wracked by the mounting insurgency and there were fears the two countries were on the brink of full-scale war during a tense standoff and military build-up sparked by a militant attack on Parliament in New Delhi in December 2001.

But in late 2003, tensions began to ease and a two-month-old cease fire between their two armies along the Line of Control has already helped to improve the atmosphere.

Musharraf and Indian counterpart Vajpayee agreed to restart the peace process during a groundbreaking meeting in January.

Musharraf pledged that he would not allow Pakistan to be used as a base for terrorist activity at the talks, which marked a sea change in decades of bitter rivalry between the foes.

"Ladies and gentlemen, history has been made," Musharraf said last month when announcing a breakthrough in relations with its long-time adversary.


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ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (CNN) -- Three days of landmark talks between bitter foes India and Pakistan have opened in Islamabad, with the long-standing dispute over Kashmir expected to be the main focus.

Despite being dubbed "talks about talks," officials say the discussions -- the first in more than two years -- will be comprehensive with hopes the nuclear-armed neighbors will restore peace negotiations shattered in 2001.

But no breakthroughs are expected during the initial round of meetings between foreign ministry officials.

Instead, officials say they will mainly try to set up an agenda and other logistics for further talks over the next few months that could lead to a summit between Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee.

On Monday, Jalil Abbas Jilani, the director-general for South Asia in Pakistan's Foreign Ministry, shook hands with India's Arun Singh, a joint secretary in the External Affairs ministry, before beginning the meeting.

Lower-level officials will meet again Tuesday to set the stage for discussions the following day between the Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers.

Kashmir issue

Relations between Pakistan and India have been frosty since independence from Britain half a century ago. They have been squabbling and fighting over Kashmir, the mountainous territory with a Muslim majority claimed by both countries.

There have been two full-scale wars over the region -- one in 1947 and another in 1965 -- followed by decades of endless exchanges of fire across the Line Of Control that divides Kashmir into Indian and Pakistani sections. China also controls a portion of the region.

Human rights organizations estimate more than 60,000 people have been killed in violence there since a militant insurgency began in Kashmir 15 years ago.

In recent years, the territory has been wracked by the mounting insurgency and there were fears the two countries were on the brink of full-scale war during a tense standoff and military build-up sparked by a militant attack on Parliament in New Delhi in December 2001.

But in late 2003, tensions began to ease and a two-month-old cease fire between their two armies along the Line of Control has already helped to improve the atmosphere.

Musharraf and Indian counterpart Vajpayee agreed to restart the peace process during a groundbreaking meeting in January.

Musharraf pledged that he would not allow Pakistan to be used as a base for terrorist activity at the talks, which marked a sea change in decades of bitter rivalry between the foes.

"Ladies and gentlemen, history has been made," Musharraf said last month when announcing a breakthrough in relations with its long-time adversary.


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ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (CNN) -- Three days of landmark talks between bitter foes India and Pakistan have opened in Islamabad, with the long-standing dispute over Kashmir expected to be the main focus.

Despite being dubbed "talks about talks," officials say the discussions -- the first in more than two years -- will be comprehensive with hopes the nuclear-armed neighbors will restore peace negotiations shattered in 2001.

But no breakthroughs are expected during the initial round of meetings between foreign ministry officials.

Instead, officials say they will mainly try to set up an agenda and other logistics for further talks over the next few months that could lead to a summit between Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee.

On Monday, Jalil Abbas Jilani, the director-general for South Asia in Pakistan's Foreign Ministry, shook hands with India's Arun Singh, a joint secretary in the External Affairs ministry, before beginning the meeting.

Lower-level officials will meet again Tuesday to set the stage for discussions the following day between the Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers.

Kashmir issue

Relations between Pakistan and India have been frosty since independence from Britain half a century ago. They have been squabbling and fighting over Kashmir, the mountainous territory with a Muslim majority claimed by both countries.

There have been two full-scale wars over the region -- one in 1947 and another in 1965 -- followed by decades of endless exchanges of fire across the Line Of Control that divides Kashmir into Indian and Pakistani sections. China also controls a portion of the region.

Human rights organizations estimate more than 60,000 people have been killed in violence there since a militant insurgency began in Kashmir 15 years ago.

In recent years, the territory has been wracked by the mounting insurgency and there were fears the two countries were on the brink of full-scale war during a tense standoff and military build-up sparked by a militant attack on Parliament in New Delhi in December 2001.

But in late 2003, tensions began to ease and a two-month-old cease fire between their two armies along the Line of Control has already helped to improve the atmosphere.

Musharraf and Indian counterpart Vajpayee agreed to restart the peace process during a groundbreaking meeting in January.

Musharraf pledged that he would not allow Pakistan to be used as a base for terrorist activity at the talks, which marked a sea change in decades of bitter rivalry between the foes.

"Ladies and gentlemen, history has been made," Musharraf said last month when announcing a breakthrough in relations with its long-time adversary.


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ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (CNN) -- Three days of landmark talks between bitter foes India and Pakistan have opened in Islamabad, with the long-standing dispute over Kashmir expected to be the main focus.

Despite being dubbed "talks about talks," officials say the discussions -- the first in more than two years -- will be comprehensive with hopes the nuclear-armed neighbors will restore peace negotiations shattered in 2001.

But no breakthroughs are expected during the initial round of meetings between foreign ministry officials.

Instead, officials say they will mainly try to set up an agenda and other logistics for further talks over the next few months that could lead to a summit between Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee.

On Monday, Jalil Abbas Jilani, the director-general for South Asia in Pakistan's Foreign Ministry, shook hands with India's Arun Singh, a joint secretary in the External Affairs ministry, before beginning the meeting.

Lower-level officials will meet again Tuesday to set the stage for discussions the following day between the Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers.

Kashmir issue

Relations between Pakistan and India have been frosty since independence from Britain half a century ago. They have been squabbling and fighting over Kashmir, the mountainous territory with a Muslim majority claimed by both countries.

There have been two full-scale wars over the region -- one in 1947 and another in 1965 -- followed by decades of endless exchanges of fire across the Line Of Control that divides Kashmir into Indian and Pakistani sections. China also controls a portion of the region.

Human rights organizations estimate more than 60,000 people have been killed in violence there since a militant insurgency began in Kashmir 15 years ago.

In recent years, the territory has been wracked by the mounting insurgency and there were fears the two countries were on the brink of full-scale war during a tense standoff and military build-up sparked by a militant attack on Parliament in New Delhi in December 2001.

But in late 2003, tensions began to ease and a two-month-old cease fire between their two armies along the Line of Control has already helped to improve the atmosphere.

Musharraf and Indian counterpart Vajpayee agreed to restart the peace process during a groundbreaking meeting in January.

Musharraf pledged that he would not allow Pakistan to be used as a base for terrorist activity at the talks, which marked a sea change in decades of bitter rivalry between the foes.

"Ladies and gentlemen, history has been made," Musharraf said last month when announcing a breakthrough in relations with its long-time adversary.


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ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (CNN) -- Three days of landmark talks between bitter foes India and Pakistan have opened in Islamabad, with the long-standing dispute over Kashmir expected to be the main focus.

Despite being dubbed "talks about talks," officials say the discussions -- the first in more than two years -- will be comprehensive with hopes the nuclear-armed neighbors will restore peace negotiations shattered in 2001.

But no breakthroughs are expected during the initial round of meetings between foreign ministry officials.

Instead, officials say they will mainly try to set up an agenda and other logistics for further talks over the next few months that could lead to a summit between Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee.

On Monday, Jalil Abbas Jilani, the director-general for South Asia in Pakistan's Foreign Ministry, shook hands with India's Arun Singh, a joint secretary in the External Affairs ministry, before beginning the meeting.

Lower-level officials will meet again Tuesday to set the stage for discussions the following day between the Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers.

Kashmir issue

Relations between Pakistan and India have been frosty since independence from Britain half a century ago. They have been squabbling and fighting over Kashmir, the mountainous territory with a Muslim majority claimed by both countries.

There have been two full-scale wars over the region -- one in 1947 and another in 1965 -- followed by decades of endless exchanges of fire across the Line Of Control that divides Kashmir into Indian and Pakistani sections. China also controls a portion of the region.

Human rights organizations estimate more than 60,000 people have been killed in violence there since a militant insurgency began in Kashmir 15 years ago.

In recent years, the territory has been wracked by the mounting insurgency and there were fears the two countries were on the brink of full-scale war during a tense standoff and military build-up sparked by a militant attack on Parliament in New Delhi in December 2001.

But in late 2003, tensions began to ease and a two-month-old cease fire between their two armies along the Line of Control has already helped to improve the atmosphere.

Musharraf and Indian counterpart Vajpayee agreed to restart the peace process during a groundbreaking meeting in January.

Musharraf pledged that he would not allow Pakistan to be used as a base for terrorist activity at the talks, which marked a sea change in decades of bitter rivalry between the foes.

"Ladies and gentlemen, history has been made," Musharraf said last month when announcing a breakthrough in relations with its long-time adversary.


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Subscribe to Time for $1.99 cover
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Iran poll to go to run-off
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© 2005 Cable News Network LP, LLLP.
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Terms under which this service is provided to you.
Read our privacy guidelines. Contact us.
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ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (CNN) -- Three days of landmark talks between bitter foes India and Pakistan have opened in Islamabad, with the long-standing dispute over Kashmir expected to be the main focus.

Despite being dubbed "talks about talks," officials say the discussions -- the first in more than two years -- will be comprehensive with hopes the nuclear-armed neighbors will restore peace negotiations shattered in 2001.

But no breakthroughs are expected during the initial round of meetings between foreign ministry officials.

Instead, officials say they will mainly try to set up an agenda and other logistics for further talks over the next few months that could lead to a summit between Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee.

On Monday, Jalil Abbas Jilani, the director-general for South Asia in Pakistan's Foreign Ministry, shook hands with India's Arun Singh, a joint secretary in the External Affairs ministry, before beginning the meeting.

Lower-level officials will meet again Tuesday to set the stage for discussions the following day between the Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers.

Kashmir issue

Relations between Pakistan and India have been frosty since independence from Britain half a century ago. They have been squabbling and fighting over Kashmir, the mountainous territory with a Muslim majority claimed by both countries.

There have been two full-scale wars over the region -- one in 1947 and another in 1965 -- followed by decades of endless exchanges of fire across the Line Of Control that divides Kashmir into Indian and Pakistani sections. China also controls a portion of the region.

Human rights organizations estimate more than 60,000 people have been killed in violence there since a militant insurgency began in Kashmir 15 years ago.

In recent years, the territory has been wracked by the mounting insurgency and there were fears the two countries were on the brink of full-scale war during a tense standoff and military build-up sparked by a militant attack on Parliament in New Delhi in December 2001.

But in late 2003, tensions began to ease and a two-month-old cease fire between their two armies along the Line of Control has already helped to improve the atmosphere.

Musharraf and Indian counterpart Vajpayee agreed to restart the peace process during a groundbreaking meeting in January.

Musharraf pledged that he would not allow Pakistan to be used as a base for terrorist activity at the talks, which marked a sea change in decades of bitter rivalry between the foes.

"Ladies and gentlemen, history has been made," Musharraf said last month when announcing a breakthrough in relations with its long-time adversary.


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Subscribe to Time for $1.99 cover
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Iran poll to go to run-off
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© 2005 Cable News Network LP, LLLP.
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Terms under which this service is provided to you.
Read our privacy guidelines. Contact us.
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ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (CNN) -- Three days of landmark talks between bitter foes India and Pakistan have opened in Islamabad, with the long-standing dispute over Kashmir expected to be the main focus.

Despite being dubbed "talks about talks," officials say the discussions -- the first in more than two years -- will be comprehensive with hopes the nuclear-armed neighbors will restore peace negotiations shattered in 2001.

But no breakthroughs are expected during the initial round of meetings between foreign ministry officials.

Instead, officials say they will mainly try to set up an agenda and other logistics for further talks over the next few months that could lead to a summit between Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee.

On Monday, Jalil Abbas Jilani, the director-general for South Asia in Pakistan's Foreign Ministry, shook hands with India's Arun Singh, a joint secretary in the External Affairs ministry, before beginning the meeting.

Lower-level officials will meet again Tuesday to set the stage for discussions the following day between the Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers.

Kashmir issue

Relations between Pakistan and India have been frosty since independence from Britain half a century ago. They have been squabbling and fighting over Kashmir, the mountainous territory with a Muslim majority claimed by both countries.

There have been two full-scale wars over the region -- one in 1947 and another in 1965 -- followed by decades of endless exchanges of fire across the Line Of Control that divides Kashmir into Indian and Pakistani sections. China also controls a portion of the region.

Human rights organizations estimate more than 60,000 people have been killed in violence there since a militant insurgency began in Kashmir 15 years ago.

In recent years, the territory has been wracked by the mounting insurgency and there were fears the two countries were on the brink of full-scale war during a tense standoff and military build-up sparked by a militant attack on Parliament in New Delhi in December 2001.

But in late 2003, tensions began to ease and a two-month-old cease fire between their two armies along the Line of Control has already helped to improve the atmosphere.

Musharraf and Indian counterpart Vajpayee agreed to restart the peace process during a groundbreaking meeting in January.

Musharraf pledged that he would not allow Pakistan to be used as a base for terrorist activity at the talks, which marked a sea change in decades of bitter rivalry between the foes.

"Ladies and gentlemen, history has been made," Musharraf said last month when announcing a breakthrough in relations with its long-time adversary.


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Subscribe to Time for $1.99 cover
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Iran poll to go to run-off
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© 2005 Cable News Network LP, LLLP.
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Terms under which this service is provided to you.
Read our privacy guidelines. Contact us.
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ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (CNN) -- Three days of landmark talks between bitter foes India and Pakistan have opened in Islamabad, with the long-standing dispute over Kashmir expected to be the main focus.

Despite being dubbed "talks about talks," officials say the discussions -- the first in more than two years -- will be comprehensive with hopes the nuclear-armed neighbors will restore peace negotiations shattered in 2001.

But no breakthroughs are expected during the initial round of meetings between foreign ministry officials.

Instead, officials say they will mainly try to set up an agenda and other logistics for further talks over the next few months that could lead to a summit between Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee.

On Monday, Jalil Abbas Jilani, the director-general for South Asia in Pakistan's Foreign Ministry, shook hands with India's Arun Singh, a joint secretary in the External Affairs ministry, before beginning the meeting.

Lower-level officials will meet again Tuesday to set the stage for discussions the following day between the Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers.

Kashmir issue

Relations between Pakistan and India have been frosty since independence from Britain half a century ago. They have been squabbling and fighting over Kashmir, the mountainous territory with a Muslim majority claimed by both countries.

There have been two full-scale wars over the region -- one in 1947 and another in 1965 -- followed by decades of endless exchanges of fire across the Line Of Control that divides Kashmir into Indian and Pakistani sections. China also controls a portion of the region.

Human rights organizations estimate more than 60,000 people have been killed in violence there since a militant insurgency began in Kashmir 15 years ago.

In recent years, the territory has been wracked by the mounting insurgency and there were fears the two countries were on the brink of full-scale war during a tense standoff and military build-up sparked by a militant attack on Parliament in New Delhi in December 2001.

But in late 2003, tensions began to ease and a two-month-old cease fire between their two armies along the Line of Control has already helped to improve the atmosphere.

Musharraf and Indian counterpart Vajpayee agreed to restart the peace process during a groundbreaking meeting in January.

Musharraf pledged that he would not allow Pakistan to be used as a base for terrorist activity at the talks, which marked a sea change in decades of bitter rivalry between the foes.

"Ladies and gentlemen, history has been made," Musharraf said last month when announcing a breakthrough in relations with its long-time adversary.


Story Tools
Subscribe to Time for $1.99 cover
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Iran poll to go to run-off
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© 2005 Cable News Network LP, LLLP.
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Terms under which this service is provided to you.
Read our privacy guidelines. Contact us.
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ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (CNN) -- Three days of landmark talks between bitter foes India and Pakistan have opened in Islamabad, with the long-standing dispute over Kashmir expected to be the main focus.

Despite being dubbed "talks about talks," officials say the discussions -- the first in more than two years -- will be comprehensive with hopes the nuclear-armed neighbors will restore peace negotiations shattered in 2001.

But no breakthroughs are expected during the initial round of meetings between foreign ministry officials.

Instead, officials say they will mainly try to set up an agenda and other logistics for further talks over the next few months that could lead to a summit between Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee.

On Monday, Jalil Abbas Jilani, the director-general for South Asia in Pakistan's Foreign Ministry, shook hands with India's Arun Singh, a joint secretary in the External Affairs ministry, before beginning the meeting.

Lower-level officials will meet again Tuesday to set the stage for discussions the following day between the Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers.

Kashmir issue

Relations between Pakistan and India have been frosty since independence from Britain half a century ago. They have been squabbling and fighting over Kashmir, the mountainous territory with a Muslim majority claimed by both countries.

There have been two full-scale wars over the region -- one in 1947 and another in 1965 -- followed by decades of endless exchanges of fire across the Line Of Control that divides Kashmir into Indian and Pakistani sections. China also controls a portion of the region.

Human rights organizations estimate more than 60,000 people have been killed in violence there since a militant insurgency began in Kashmir 15 years ago.

In recent years, the territory has been wracked by the mounting insurgency and there were fears the two countries were on the brink of full-scale war during a tense standoff and military build-up sparked by a militant attack on Parliament in New Delhi in December 2001.

But in late 2003, tensions began to ease and a two-month-old cease fire between their two armies along the Line of Control has already helped to improve the atmosphere.

Musharraf and Indian counterpart Vajpayee agreed to restart the peace process during a groundbreaking meeting in January.

Musharraf pledged that he would not allow Pakistan to be used as a base for terrorist activity at the talks, which marked a sea change in decades of bitter rivalry between the foes.

"Ladies and gentlemen, history has been made," Musharraf said last month when announcing a breakthrough in relations with its long-time adversary.


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Subscribe to Time for $1.99 cover
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Iran poll to go to run-off
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© 2005 Cable News Network LP, LLLP.
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Terms under which this service is provided to you.
Read our privacy guidelines. Contact us.
external link
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 Premium content icon Denotes premium content.
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ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (CNN) -- Three days of landmark talks between bitter foes India and Pakistan have opened in Islamabad, with the long-standing dispute over Kashmir expected to be the main focus.

Despite being dubbed "talks about talks," officials say the discussions -- the first in more than two years -- will be comprehensive with hopes the nuclear-armed neighbors will restore peace negotiations shattered in 2001.

But no breakthroughs are expected during the initial round of meetings between foreign ministry officials.

Instead, officials say they will mainly try to set up an agenda and other logistics for further talks over the next few months that could lead to a summit between Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee.

On Monday, Jalil Abbas Jilani, the director-general for South Asia in Pakistan's Foreign Ministry, shook hands with India's Arun Singh, a joint secretary in the External Affairs ministry, before beginning the meeting.

Lower-level officials will meet again Tuesday to set the stage for discussions the following day between the Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers.

Kashmir issue

Relations between Pakistan and India have been frosty since independence from Britain half a century ago. They have been squabbling and fighting over Kashmir, the mountainous territory with a Muslim majority claimed by both countries.

There have been two full-scale wars over the region -- one in 1947 and another in 1965 -- followed by decades of endless exchanges of fire across the Line Of Control that divides Kashmir into Indian and Pakistani sections. China also controls a portion of the region.

Human rights organizations estimate more than 60,000 people have been killed in violence there since a militant insurgency began in Kashmir 15 years ago.

In recent years, the territory has been wracked by the mounting insurgency and there were fears the two countries were on the brink of full-scale war during a tense standoff and military build-up sparked by a militant attack on Parliament in New Delhi in December 2001.

But in late 2003, tensions began to ease and a two-month-old cease fire between their two armies along the Line of Control has already helped to improve the atmosphere.

Musharraf and Indian counterpart Vajpayee agreed to restart the peace process during a groundbreaking meeting in January.

Musharraf pledged that he would not allow Pakistan to be used as a base for terrorist activity at the talks, which marked a sea change in decades of bitter rivalry between the foes.

"Ladies and gentlemen, history has been made," Musharraf said last month when announcing a breakthrough in relations with its long-time adversary.


Story Tools
Subscribe to Time for $1.99 cover
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Iran poll to go to run-off
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CNN/Money: Security alert issued for 40 million credit cards
 
 
 
 

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© 2005 Cable News Network LP, LLLP.
A Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved.
Terms under which this service is provided to you.
Read our privacy guidelines. Contact us.
external link
All external sites will open in a new browser.
CNN.com does not endorse external sites.
 Premium content icon Denotes premium content.
Add RSS headlines.

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (CNN) -- Three days of landmark talks between bitter foes India and Pakistan have opened in Islamabad, with the long-standing dispute over Kashmir expected to be the main focus.

Despite being dubbed "talks about talks," officials say the discussions -- the first in more than two years -- will be comprehensive with hopes the nuclear-armed neighbors will restore peace negotiations shattered in 2001.

But no breakthroughs are expected during the initial round of meetings between foreign ministry officials.

Instead, officials say they will mainly try to set up an agenda and other logistics for further talks over the next few months that could lead to a summit between Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee.

On Monday, Jalil Abbas Jilani, the director-general for South Asia in Pakistan's Foreign Ministry, shook hands with India's Arun Singh, a joint secretary in the External Affairs ministry, before beginning the meeting.

Lower-level officials will meet again Tuesday to set the stage for discussions the following day between the Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers.

Kashmir issue

Relations between Pakistan and India have been frosty since independence from Britain half a century ago. They have been squabbling and fighting over Kashmir, the mountainous territory with a Muslim majority claimed by both countries.

There have been two full-scale wars over the region -- one in 1947 and another in 1965 -- followed by decades of endless exchanges of fire across the Line Of Control that divides Kashmir into Indian and Pakistani sections. China also controls a portion of the region.

Human rights organizations estimate more than 60,000 people have been killed in violence there since a militant insurgency began in Kashmir 15 years ago.

In recent years, the territory has been wracked by the mounting insurgency and there were fears the two countries were on the brink of full-scale war during a tense standoff and military build-up sparked by a militant attack on Parliament in New Delhi in December 2001.

But in late 2003, tensions began to ease and a two-month-old cease fire between their two armies along the Line of Control has already helped to improve the atmosphere.

Musharraf and Indian counterpart Vajpayee agreed to restart the peace process during a groundbreaking meeting in January.

Musharraf pledged that he would not allow Pakistan to be used as a base for terrorist activity at the talks, which marked a sea change in decades of bitter rivalry between the foes.

"Ladies and gentlemen, history has been made," Musharraf said last month when announcing a breakthrough in relations with its long-time adversary.


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Iran poll to go to run-off
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ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (CNN) -- Three days of landmark talks between bitter foes India and Pakistan have opened in Islamabad, with the long-standing dispute over Kashmir expected to be the main focus.

Despite being dubbed "talks about talks," officials say the discussions -- the first in more than two years -- will be comprehensive with hopes the nuclear-armed neighbors will restore peace negotiations shattered in 2001.

But no breakthroughs are expected during the initial round of meetings between foreign ministry officials.

Instead, officials say they will mainly try to set up an agenda and other logistics for further talks over the next few months that could lead to a summit between Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee.

On Monday, Jalil Abbas Jilani, the director-general for South Asia in Pakistan's Foreign Ministry, shook hands with India's Arun Singh, a joint secretary in the External Affairs ministry, before beginning the meeting.

Lower-level officials will meet again Tuesday to set the stage for discussions the following day between the Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers.

Kashmir issue

Relations between Pakistan and India have been frosty since independence from Britain half a century ago. They have been squabbling and fighting over Kashmir, the mountainous territory with a Muslim majority claimed by both countries.

There have been two full-scale wars over the region -- one in 1947 and another in 1965 -- followed by decades of endless exchanges of fire across the Line Of Control that divides Kashmir into Indian and Pakistani sections. China also controls a portion of the region.

Human rights organizations estimate more than 60,000 people have been killed in violence there since a militant insurgency began in Kashmir 15 years ago.

In recent years, the territory has been wracked by the mounting insurgency and there were fears the two countries were on the brink of full-scale war during a tense standoff and military build-up sparked by a militant attack on Parliament in New Delhi in December 2001.

But in late 2003, tensions began to ease and a two-month-old cease fire between their two armies along the Line of Control has already helped to improve the atmosphere.

Musharraf and Indian counterpart Vajpayee agreed to restart the peace process during a groundbreaking meeting in January.

Musharraf pledged that he would not allow Pakistan to be used as a base for terrorist activity at the talks, which marked a sea change in decades of bitter rivalry between the foes.

"Ladies and gentlemen, history has been made," Musharraf said last month when announcing a breakthrough in relations with its long-time adversary.


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International Edition
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