New Delhi: Giving no importance to the invitation extended to separatist leaders for celebration of Pakistan National Day in Delhi, the Ministry of External Affairs claimed that there are only two parties when it comes to a resolution on Indo-Pak issues.
"The government of India prefer to speak for itself. There should be no scope for misunderstanding or misinterpretation on India's position on role of 'so-called' Hurriyat. There are only two parties and there is no place for third party in resolution for the India-Pakistan issue. Only way forward to proceed on all outstanding issues is peaceful bilateral dialogue within framework of Shimla Agreement & Lahore Declaration," MEA Spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said.
His statement comes on a day when Pakistan is celebrating its National Day and has invited seven separatist leaders to join them at the event. Pakistan's envoy to India Abdul Basit, however, played down the controversy claiming that the Indian government has no objection to the invite being issued. "I don't think the Indian government objects to us meeting separatists. I request the media to not make an issue out of this," Basit said.
Meanwhile, PM Modi also conveyed his greetings to Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on the day. In a tweet, he told Sharif that all outstanding issues between the two neighbours can be resolved through bilateral talks in a terror free atmosphere. Modi tweeted, "It is my firm conviction that all outstanding issues can be resolved through bilateral dialogue in an atmosphere free from terror and violence."
Modi will be sending Minister of State for External Affairs VK Singh to the Pakistan High Commission to convey the government's wishes.
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