Pakistan talks pinned on terrorism

Indian foreign secretary Nirupama Rao said Pakistan dismantling terror networks was an "absolute must" if this week's attempt to resume dialogue between the two neighbours is to go anywhere.
Speaking in London, Rao -- the most senior civil servant in the Indian foreign ministry -- said attacks on Indian soil originating in Pakistan would be at the core of her talks with her counterpart Salman Bashir.
"Out of our desire for peaceful relations with Pakistan, we have repeatedly taken initiatives in the past to improve the relationship," she said.
"The dark forces of terrorism have sought to erase the good that stemmed from such well-intentioned initiatives. We are now making another attempt at dialogue with Pakistan.
"However, calls of jihad, hostility and aggression continue to be made openly against India.
"This reflects the real and tangible difficulties that we face in dealing with Pakistan," said Rao in a speech titled "Perspectives on Foreign Policy for a 21st century India" at the International Institute for Strategic Studies think-tank.