Pakistan has welcomed the four fresh Indian proposals and denoted for hosting talks later this month.
The Foreign Office spokesman, Masood Khan, while talking to BBC said, "Prime Minister Jamali had already presented a 12-point proposal and the proposals which Indian spokesman announced have already been presented by Pakistan."
With a view to improving relation with Pakistan, India has made some proposals before the South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation (Saarc) Summit Conference to be held in Islamabad.
These proposals include introduction of bus links between Srinagar and Muzaffarabad and Khokrapar in Rajasthan and Munabao in Sindh province.
The Indian external affairs ministry spokesman Navtej Sarna also offers for increase in the present strength of 55 to 75 of diplomatic staff.
"Talks in this connection could be held in January 2004," he added.
Replying to the Indian proposals Masood Khan said, "Pakistan is prepared to hold talks for the restoration of the routes between Monabao and Khokharapar."
The second proposal was about the introduction of bus service between Srinagar and Muzaffarabad and we were prepared to host such negotiation in Islamabad. Apart from this kind of talk our established position on Kashmir would remain the same.
"The number of diplomatic staff ought to be increased, because it is necessary for the facility of visas to the people and for the facility of their movement," Khan said.
Our proposal was that it should not be increased in gradual manner, because in December 2001 the number of the staff in each of the High Commission was 110. The strength of 110, which existed in December 2001, should be restored and they have a partial step and we do welcome that, he added.
"I did not see any such statement in opposition but this Khokharapar-Monabao route has not been in use for quite a long time. Long ago there were rail and road links between them and it need considerable work to restore them.
The infrastructure then will have to be upgraded and improved," he said.
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