NEW DELHI, May 24 (UPI) -- Official-level talks on demilitarizing the Siachin glacier between India and Pakistan have failed as the two countries resolve to continue the cease-fire.
"The two sides held frank and constructive discussions in a cordial atmosphere and they welcomed the successful continuation of the cease-fire and reaffirmed their commitment to it," said a statement issued after the two-day meeting between the two countries' defense secretaries.
The Hindu newspaper said Thursday the possibility of a stalemate was indicated by Defense Minister Pranab Mukherjee even as the delegations were continuing discussions in New Delhi Wednesday. Mukherjee had indicated that Pakistan did not agree with an Indian proposal on the means of demilitarization.
The defense minister described the occupation of the glacier by the two armies a perennial problem, and said that although both sides agreed in principle to withdraw from their positions, India wanted the troop positions delineated and authenticated in a document.
"(Pakistan) have not been agreeing on this proposal for quite some time, and this is the area of difference. At present, we could not make any breakthrough," Mukherjee said.
Meanwhile, Pakistani Defense Secretary Tariq Wasim Gazi criticized Indian television channels for saying the bilateral talks had ended in failure, calling it a judgmental contention.
"There is no failure. The gains were that the two sides had understood each other even better and would continue their discussions. (Authentication) is not a main issue at all. The mandate given for the talks was withdrawal and redeployment of forces," Gazi said, adding that authentication was not part of the withdrawal process.
