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'Persuade Pakistan to end terrorism'

DUBAI FEB. 13. India has asked Saudi Arabia to persuade Pakistan to shun the path of terrorism and pursue dialogue and moderation to settle its unresolved disputes with New Delhi.

Asserting that Pakistan-backed terrorism was an integral part of the global pattern of religion-based violence, which was bringing a bad name to Muslims, the Civil Aviation Minister, Shahnawaz Hussain, urged the Saudi Government to use its "influence" to persuade Pakistan to give up terrorism.

Mr. Hussain, who is leading a goodwill Haj delegation, made the request during a meeting with the Saudi Interior Minister, Prince Naif bin Abdul Aziz, in Mecca on Wednesday.

Prince Naif accepted an invitation from the Deputy Prime Minister, L.K. Advani, to visit India to sign a memorandum of understanding on combating crime, money laundering and terrorism which has been negotiated and is awaiting signature.

He said the MoU would provide a useful framework to the two countries to promote cooperation with exchange of ideas and information at various levels.

Mr. Hussain also sought an assurance from the Saudi Government on the safety of Indians there and in neighbouring Kuwait in the event of a war against Iraq.

PTI

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