An important step towards peace: Advani

By Our Staff Correspondent

SHIMLA, JUNE 9. The various problems between India and Pakistan, which had defied solutions for more than 50 years, could not have ``quick-fix'' solutions, the Union Home Minister, Mr. L. K. Advani, said today. The invitation sent by the Prime Minister, Mr. Atal Behari Vajpayee, to Pakistan's military ruler, Gen. Pervez Musharraf, and its ready acceptance by the latter was a ``resumption of the stalled dialogue process'', he added.

Talking to reporters here, he described the Government's initiative as an important step towards mutual cooperation and hoped for a pleasant dialogue between the two nations. He also appreciated Islamabad's positive response in this regard.

Mr. Advani also blamed the media, which was ``always looking for headlines'', for misquoting him on the statement that he would not like to create false optimism on the coming summit meeting and said it was a major initiative in the process of normalisation of bilateral relations.

The organisations opposing the resumption of peace talks between the two countries were not only against India but also against Gen. Musharraf and Pakistan. They were, in a way, cautioning the General against taking any peace initiative in the region, he said.

Asked why Mr. Vajpayee and Gen. Musharraf didn't talk when they met at common venues such as the United Nations General Assembly, the Minister said Pakistan, after the Kargil episode, had once again unleashed terrorism in the subcontinent and squandered the opportunity for a peaceful dialogue.

International focus

India had regularly raised the topic of cross-border terrorism at international fora, he said. ``India has succeeded in internationalising the cross-border terrorism and isolating Pakistan in the world community. Earlier Kashmir was attracting international focus because of some incidents of violence by militants but today it is in focus because of cross-border terrorism which is a major achievement of the government.''

India had never been against a dialogue before the Kargil war and had always respected the Shimla Agreement, which advocated a bilateral solutions for all problems instead of internationalising regional issues. In pursuance of this, Mr. Vajpayee, in 1999, undertook the Lahore bus journey which culminated in the signing of the Lahore Declaration. But Gen. Musharraf, who was then against the Shimla Agreement, did not recognise or appreciate the Lahore Declaration, Mr. Advani said.

He further said India had introduced the non-initiation of combat operation (NICO), and the ground situation after its expiry was visible to all. ``But we still want peace which is good for both the countries. Let us solve all problems through talks,'' he said adding ``India has again invited Pakistan and we hope it will respond in the same manner.''

Refusing to comment on various organisations relating to Kashmir, Mr. Advani said, ``whosoever represents the people of Jammu and Kashmir will be involved in the process for solutions.''

A positive sign

PTI reports:

Mr. Advani said the manner in which Gen. Musharraf had advised the Muslim clergy in Pakistan against making anti-India statements was another positive sign and the reaction of the Lashkar-e-Taiba also indicated its concern about the summit. This and other steps clearly indicated a change in Islamabad's attitude after the Kargil conflict, he added.

Turning to the All-Party Hurriyat Conference, he said the Government wanted to consult all concerned in the State, including the National Conference, the BJP, the Congress, Kashmiri Pandits as well as the people of Jammu and Ladakh on the peace process. The decision to release some Hurriyat leaders from jail was meant to enable them to talk to the Government and others concerned.

To a question about the demand of the DMK president and former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Mr. M. Karunanidhi, for recalling the Governor, Ms. Fathima Beevi, Mr. Advani refused to comment.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Front Page
Next     : End 'repression' for a beginning: Pak.