ISLAMABAD: The Indo-Pakistan negotiations on the Salal Dam concluded here today [Oct 21] with further progress in resolving the differences and with the common hope that the two countries would arrive at a `mutually satisfactory` settlement at the next round of talks to be held after completion of certain required studies. A joint communique issued after the talks spread over three days noted with satisfaction that the comprehensive discussions succeeded in creating a better understanding of each other`s viewpoint and in resolving `some of the outstanding points`. Foreign Secretary Agha Shahi and his Indian counterpart Jagat Singh Mehta, who led their respective delegations ... expressed satisfaction at the earnest efforts made to resolve the differences in line with the letter and spirit of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty... . News agencies [Meanwhile, as reported by news agencies from Washington,] U.S. President Gerald Ford said yesterday [Oct 20] Israel was a military burden to the United States during the Yom Kippur war in 1973, but was now a strong ally because of the massive arms aid Americans willingly furnished. Mr. Ford made his comment at a White House Press conference... .