Siachen delineation possible after pullout, says Aziz

NEW DELHI—Rejecting the authentication of the present positions of troops on Siachen on a map, Pakistan has said it could find a way to indicate the current ground positions of Indian forces on the glacier, asserting that delineation could take place only after troops withdrawal.
Pakistan’s outgoing High Commissioner Aziz Ahmad Khan, in an interview, said the “grid references” could be reflected in the re-deployment schedule or the withdrawal schedule. “As far as your indication of your locations is concerned, we can find a way to reflect your present position. Your concern is where you were and the indication would be there,” Khan told the ‘Outlook’.
“Authentication of the present positions on a map is not acceptable,” he said adding that delineation of the Line beyond NJ9842 needed to be done through peaceful negotiations. For delineation, the first thing was to withdraw the forces which would reduce tension. “Only after that could the line be delineated through discussions. If we start delineating lines now, and authenticating it on a map, then it creates difficulties,” he added.
Khan said the two countries had discussed the situation “threadbare” during the various rounds of talks.
Asked if Pakistan had addressed New Delhi’s fears that after Kargil was it still possible for India to withdraw to agreed positions, Khan said Islamabad’s position had been stated very clearly. The proposal that Pakistan had made, could be implemented and takes into consideration mutual concerns.—Agencies