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A New Move Toward Peace

--By Joe McGowan

Last week, there was a rare sign that peace might be possible between India and Pakistan. The two South Asian countries, which have a troubled and often violent history, met for their first formal peace talks in more than two and a half years.

On Wednesday, after three days of meetings, Pakistani and Indian foreign ministers announced a new road map for peace. The plan sets a six-month schedule for talks on big issues, including the long dispute over who owns the region of Kashmir. Said Pakistan's foreign secretary, Riaz Khokhar: "We hope that this road map will eventually lead to the settlement of all outstanding disputes between India and Pakistan and in the direction of durable peace."

A PROMISING PATH TO PEACEFUL SOLUTIONS

To reach that destination, the two sides have agreed to a series of talks on weapons, trade, drugs, terrorism and the easing of border tensions. Meetings on the status of Kashmir will be held after India holds national elections in April. The foreign ministers have agreed to meet again in August to see how much progress has been made and to decide what to do next.

Kashmir is a top priority for the discussions. The mostly Muslim region, in the Himalaya mountains, is divided between India and Pakistan. But both countries claim to own the entire area. Kashmir has set off two of the three wars Pakistan and India have fought since they gained independence from Great Britain in 1947. Today, a "line of control," patrolled by armed guards from both countries, divides Kashmir (see map).

Clearly, there are obstacles ahead for the new plan. The two sides remain far apart on Kashmir, and leaders in both countries face powerful forces at home that are opposed to compromise. After trading accusations and violent attacks for decades, living in harmony won't come easily. But so far, officials are hopeful. "We feel that the atmosphere is much better," said Khokhar. "There is a realization on both sides that war is not an option."

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