Pakistan cancels security talks over "precondition" while India detains Kashmir leaders

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Pakistan on Saturday canceled the upcoming much publicized top security officials' talks with arch-rival India over "pre-conditions," the Foreign Ministry said.

The national security advisers (NSA) of the two countries were scheduled to meet in New Delhi on Monday to discuss terrorism- related issue.

Pakistan's security adviser, Sartaj Aziz's plan to meet Kashmiri separatist leaders in the Indian capital has perturbed the Indian government. The Indian External Affairs Ministry had sent an "advice" to Pakistan to avoid meeting with the Kashmir leaders, however, the proposal was rejected.

India also opposed Pakistan's stance to raise the Kashmir dispute in the meeting. Indian Minister for External Affairs Mrs. Sushma Sawaraj told a news conference in New Delhi on Saturday that the meeting will only discussed on terrorism.

Pakistan considered the Indian minister's remarks as pre- conditions and Sartaj Aziz said earlier in Islamabad that he is ready to travel to New Delhi for unconditional talks.

"Pakistan, therefore, reiterates that the scheduled NSA level talks cannot be held on the basis of the preconditions set by India," the Foreign Ministry said late Saturday.

It is the second time in one year the high level talks between the nuclear neighbors have been canceled over Kashmir.

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