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CNN Sunday Morning

Leaders of India and Pakistan Meet to Resolve Territorial Disputes

Aired July 15, 2001 - 07:12   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: Under the shadow of the Taj Mahal, there's a high stakes summit today among the leaders of India and Pakistan. They are seeking ways to defuse a dispute over Kashmir that has triggered two wars between the neighboring nuclear powers. CNN's Satinder Bindra joins us live now with the details.

Hi, Satinder.

SATINDER BINDRA, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hi, Kyra. The latest here is the Indian prime minister has just accepted an invitation from the Pakistani president to visit Islamabad -- the status of the talks at the moment, that temporarily are adjourned as the Pakistani president goes on a walkabout of the Taj Mahal. Of course, this is a 17th century monument for love. And as the Pakistani president visits the Taj Mahal, certainly, the expectation here is that both countries can establish good neighborly relations.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BINDRA (voice-over): Old enemies trying to bury their bitter past with a handshake. Watching and recording their moves for posterity, hundreds of reporters from across the world. Within moments of posing for the cameras, Indian prime minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee behind the Pakistani president, General Pervez Musharraf sat down for their first face-to-face talk.

Outside, demonstrators clashed with police, demanding the release of Indian prisoners of war, they allege are still being held in Pakistani jails since 1971.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): Our people are locked in their jails, should be released. What are they going to do with these people locked there?

BINDRA: Pakistan denies it holds any Indian prisoners of war. But these protesters don't believe that and continue to put pressure on the Indian government not to make any concessions on Kashmir, which has already cause two wars between the nuclear neighbors. India is expected to firmly tell Pakistan it must stop supporting what it calls cross border terrorism and infiltrating militants on each side of Kashmir.

General Musharraf wants Kashmir to be the main focus of the talks. But few expect the summit will make any major breakthroughs on a 54-year-old dispute.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): Nothing major will happen at this summit. When there is no agenda, how can the talks be successful?

BINDRA: In an effort to push the momentum for peace, India wants the summit to deal with nuclear concerns, the outbreak of an accidental war and business ties.

India's energy starved business community is pushing hard for a pipeline that will carry natural gas from Iran to Pakistan and then onwards to India.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BINDRA: Now, if this proposed pipeline goes through, Pakistan stands to make transit fees of some $500 million a year.

Reporting live from Agra, Satinder Bindra, CNN.

PHILLIPS: Satinder, before we let you go, any progress thus far in any of the subject matter you mentioned in your piece?

BINDRA: Well, certainly, both sides are trying to hash out the issue of Kashmir. It's a long problem. It's a 54-year-old problem. And certainly, the expectation here is if they can't solve it, both sides should at least learn how to manage it -- Kyra.

PHILLIPS: Satinder Bindra, thank you so much.

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