Talking Heads: Sharif Says “i Do” to Modi’s Invitation to Delhi

It is official now. Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will attend the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister - designate Narendra Modi in Delhi.
Pakistan's daily Dawn reports, "The decision was made after a series of consultations that the premier held with his close aides."
According to reports, Advisor to the Pak PM on Foreign Affairs and National Security Sartaj Aziz may also accompany Prime Minister Sharif to New Delhi.

TIMELINE

"Narendra Modi has hit a diplomatic sixer even before taking oath as the PM"
- Natwar Singh, Former Foreign minister

#India receives confirmation of participation from #Pakistan - PM Nawaz Sharif to attend PM designate @narendramodi swearing-in ceremony
— Syed Akbaruddin (@MEAIndia) May 24, 2014

Front SHELF

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Very glad to hear Pak PM has accepted invite, shows that he can prevail over forces inimical to good relations with India. 1/2
— Omar Abdullah (@abdullah_omar) May 24, 2014

I hope that this will mark a new beginning in ties between our two countries. The people of J&K will be watching closely. 2/2
— Omar Abdullah (@abdullah_omar) May 24, 2014

Meanwhile, Pak PM's daughter Maryam Nawaz Sharif said in a twitter post that cordial relations with the new Indian government should be cultivated.

I personally think cordial relations with new Indian govt should be cultivated. Will help remove psychological barriers, fear & misgivings.
— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) May 23, 2014

"It's upon the leaders to lead their countries & ppl to peace & conciliation," she said in another tweet.

"The invitation to all leaders of SAARC nations to be present at the ceremony is to showcase Indian democracy and its strength to the world at large. It is a democracy event. It should not be viewed through the prism of bilateral issues between countries."
- Arun Jaitley, BJP Leader

BOTTOMLINE

"Separatists shouldnt be allowed to meet Pak delegation like in past,or else no difference." +++ "Normally whenever a Pak dignitary comes,they hold a meeting with separatists,lets see what happens this time."
-Sushant Sareen, Defence Analyst

Why begin by legitimizing SAARC concept, which boxes India in an artificial regional framework? India's natural strategic compass is broader
— Brahma Chellaney (@Chellaney) May 22, 2014

[Desk Report. The above piece is based on media reports.] +++