India has no objections to Pakistan joining ARF<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Indian foreign minister I.K. Gujral said
\nyesterday that his country has no objection to Pakistan joining
\nthe ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF).<\/p>\n
Gujral said at the ASEAN Secretariat that the issue is really
\nbetween Pakistan and ASEAN. Nevertheless, he said that India
\nwould not obstruct Pakistan's admission.<\/p>\n
\"We will never stand in the way of anybody else joining,\"
\nGujral said.<\/p>\n
India was elevated by ASEAN leaders during the Bangkok Summit
\nin December from sectoral dialog partner to full dialog partner.
\nIt will participate for the first time in the ARF being held
\ntoday at the Jakarta Convention Center.<\/p>\n
Pakistan has also requested that its dialog relations be
\nelevated to the same level as India in order for it to
\nparticipate in the ARF.<\/p>\n
The two countries have had a contentious relationship for
\nseveral years and have fought several wars in the past.<\/p>\n
He said that India has always had good relations with the
\nindividual ASEAN states, but said that the new status will allow
\nfor deeper cooperation in other fields.<\/p>\n
\"I feel very honored,\" said Gujral of India's participation
\nin the meeting today.<\/p>\n
Later in the afternoon, ASEAN Secretary-General Ajit Singh
\nalso was paid a courtesy call by Russian foreign minister Y.
\nPrimakov.<\/p>\n
Russia, previously a consultative dialog partner, has now been
\nreceived as a full dialog partner and will take part in the ARF.<\/p>\n
\"We're going to be active participants to the dialog,\"
\nPrimakov told Ajit Singh.<\/p>\n
The Russian foreign minister added that Russia has the
\npotential to contribute to stability in the region and further
\nexpressed his pleasure at seeing the peace being maintained.
\n(mds)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/india-has-no-objections-to-pakistan-joining-arf-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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