Talks on Sir Creek make progress

ISLAMABAD: India and Pakistan onFriday made significant progress in resolving the dispute over the 65-mile SirCreek estuary off the Gujarat coast as officials said there was convergence "upto a great degree" over demarcation of maritime boundary based on the mapsfinalised in the joint survey."There is convergence up to a greatdegree in finalising the maritime boundary using the seaward approach," said anIndian official, who attended the two-day talks which concluded at Rawalpindinear here on Friday. The talks were held between the Indiandelegation headed by Surveyor General Maj Gen M. Gopal Rao and the Pakistaniteam led by Additional Defence Secretary Rear Admiral TanveerFaiz."The two sides discussed the delineation of the boundary in theSir Creek in the light of the results of the joint survey. They exchangedmaps/charts showing their respective positions on the delineation of theboundary in the Sir Creek and delimitation of the maritime boundary," a briefjoint statement issued at the end of the talks said.Officials saidthe two sides moved a step closer to the finalisation of the maritime boundaryoff Sir Creek coast using the seaward approach, which in practical terms meantthat both sides leave the disputed Creek for resolution and determine a medianline which is equi-distant from the nearest points on their respectivelandmass.The officials on both sides would now present the result ofthe talks to their respective governments with their recommendations.