Optimism Over Tashkent Accord

Press, Volume CV, Issue 30953, 8 January 1966, Page 13

Optimism Over Tashkent Accord

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter—Copyright) TASHKENT, Jan. 7. An air of optimism surrounded the IndiaPakistan talks in Tashkent today.

There were hopes that the Indian and Pakistani leaders would be able to devise a compromise enabling them to discuss Kashmir without loss of face by either side. President Ayub Khan and Mr Shastri met this morning for the first time in 48 hours after yesterday's strenuous efforts by the Soviet Premier (Mr Kosygin) to get them started on hard negotiations. Direct talks were postponed yesterday and Mr Kosygin spent nearly eight hours in talks aimed at breaking an ominous stalemate over an agenda. An Indian spokesman said today: “We are moving forward inch by inch.” President Ayub, who says Kashmir is “the basic problem,” is still pressing to have Kashmir included by name on the list of topics for discussion.

Mr Shastri, who regards Kashmir as only a symptom of the “deep malaise” in In-dia-Pakistan relations, has so far refused to put it on the agenda. However, he is willing to talk about it under a broader heading. The Indians are believed to have proposed a simple two-

item agenda which would cover: (1) “Peace and amity between India and Pakistan,” to include Mr Shastri's proposal for a nowar agreement between the two countries and — if Pakistan raises it—the Kashmir question. (2) “Disputes stemming from India-Pakistan conflicts,” which would include attempts to resolve all problems from last August’s war and other border conflicts. Diplomatic sources said both leaders were considering an agreement to withdraw occupation troops from each country to the areas held before they went to war over Kashmir.

They also would agree to resume normal diplomatic relations and to meet again at another conference within six months, the sources said. There was widespread praise for Mr Kosygin’s quiet, patient diplomacy. The Indian delegation said he had made no proposals and was not mediating, but only using his good offices. To most observers he appeared to be the link holding the conference together. Since the formal opening of

the talks on Tuesday the two leaders have spent only about 90 minutes in private discussion, but each has spent hours with Mr Kosygin. Delegation sources hinted that the conference might last until next Tuesday and that it would end with some formula providing for continuing contacts.

Mr Shastri will entertain Mr Kosygin to lunch today and Mr Kosygin plans to take both leaders to the theatre tonight.