Kohima, October 19: Union Minister for Statistics and Program Implementation Oscar Fernandez said latest round of political talks with the NSCN (IM) leaderships in Bangkok was fruitful but refused to elaborate details of the talks.

Talking to reporters after addressing Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee members here at the Congress Bhavan today, the Union Minister who headed the Indian negotiating team for the latest round political dialogues with the NSCN (IM) in Bangkok said the talks were held in a very cordial and friendly manner.

He further disclosed that there would be another round of talks in the very near future with the leaderships of the organization.

Fernandez, who is also in-charge of the North East Congress Committee, however disclosed that there were suggestions and sometimes counter-proposals from the other side during the course of talks.

He also disclosed that the leaderships of the NSCN (IM) were still sticking to their "sovereignty and integration demands." "The Government of India will hold dialogues with those States that are affected by the integration demand," he stated.

Stating that they had more than 40 rounds talks with the NSCN (IM) leaderships in Delhi and foreign countries, Fernandez said, "While pursuing to find solution, they have to keep country�s interest in mind and also to keep Nagas� interest in mind." "When we reach the final stage, we will take all of you into confidence," he assured while regretting his inability to disclose whatever they discussed as he had to keep in line with the nicety of being a Union Minister.

Fernandez informed that whatever views, suggestions and ideas he received with regard to the ongoing peace process during his two-day stay in the State would be conveyed to the party president Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh .

NPCC president Hokheto Sumi welcomed the Union Minister who accompanied his lady wife while Leader of the Opposition I Imkong delivered vote of thanks.

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