India and Pakistan have agreed to continue a nearly two-year-old cease-fire in disputed Kashmir, but didn't discuss the question of reducing the massive military presence in the Himalayan region.

"One, (the two delegations) reaffirmed their commitment to uphold the ongoing ceasefire. Two, to implement the 1991 Agreement between Pakistan and India on Air Space Violations in letter and in spirit. Upgrade the existing hotline between the two DGMOs ( Director Generals of Military Operations) by end September 2005." said Navtej Sarna, spokesperson for the Indian External Affairs Ministry.

The second round of talks also reached agreement on not developing any new posts and defence works along the Line of Control that divides the two sides.

Local commanders will hold monthly meetings at three points in Jammu and Kashmir as part of confidence-building measures.

India and Pakistan agreed on a truce along the disputed cease-fire line dividing Kashmir between them in November 2003 as part of peace efforts.

Before that, the two armies used to routinely exchange artillery, mortar and gunfire, leading to causalities almost on a daily basis.

(CRI.com August 9, 2005)