The Hindu : PM yet to decide on attending SAARC meet

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Nov 17, 2002

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PM yet to decide on attending SAARC meet

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI NOV. 16. The Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee, today expressed scepticism about the usefulness of attending the SAARC summit (to be held in Pakistan).

Talking to mediapersons at his residence, he expressed apprehension that bilateral issues like Kashmir were sought to be raised at the regional forum. However, he did not fully rule out his participation; he merely observed that "no decision has been taken as yet.''

On the reports of differences within the ruling combine on economic matters, he observed that his Government would not pursue policies that could entail "political damage.''

He pointed out that "economic reforms'' carried a price for all political parties, including the Congress which ruled in many States.

Disinvestment was a settled policy and there was no intention to go back on it, he said.

He also downplayed the controversy over the Kelkar report, saying it was only a proposal.

Mr. Vajpayee, was replied to questions on Jammu and Kashmir, said that in his view, perhaps a committee should review cases before detainees were released.

He said he disapproved of the "ad hoc manner'' in which the new Government in that State was releasing prisoners, but hastened to add that the decision was the prerogative of the Mufti Government.

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