Author: Reuters
Publication: The Indian Express
Date: January 15, 2002
Following is the full text of the
Government's statement in reaction to a pledge by Pakistan President Pervez
Musharraf to crack down on Islamic militant The statement was issued to
day by Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh.
The Government of India has noted
that the major portion of the address of the President of Pakistan yesterday
relates to reforms to modernise Pakistan. We wish the people of people
of Pakistan well in this endeavour. To the extent that these reforms have
a direct nexus to external development, we welcome, them.
"We welcome the now-declared commitment
of the Government of Pakistan not to support or permit any more the use
of its territory for terrorism anywhere in the world, including in the
Indian slate of Jammu and Kashmir.
"This commitment must extend to
the use of all territories under Pakistan's control today. We would assess
the effectiveness of this commitment only by the concrete action taken.
Consequently, we expect Pakistan to cooperate with India in stopping all
infiltration across the International Border and the Line of Control.
"The Government notes the decision
of the Government of Pakistan to ban the Lashkar-e-Toiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed,
the two terrorist organisations involved in the December 13 attack on the
Indian Parliament. We look forward to an effective and full implementation
of this measure, so that its members do not continue activities under other
names.
"There would be a similar need to
address other terrorist organisations targeting India, as also the parent
organisations that spawn them,
"Continuing lack of action against
fugitives from law about whom the detailed information has been provided
to Pakistan on several occasions is disappointing. It remains our expectation
that the Government of Pakistan will even now act on this.
"The Government of India rejects
entirely and categorically the comments of the President of Pakistan about
the situation in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir.
"The Government of India remains
committed to the bilateral dialogue process with Pakistan in accordance
with the letter and spirit of the Simla Agreement and the Lahore Declaration.
"Should the Government of Pakistan
operationalise its intention and move purposefully towards eradicating
cross-border terrorism, the Government of India will respond fully, and
would be prepared to resume the composite dialogue process.
"We reiterate our conviction all
issues between India and Pakistan can only be addressed bilaterally. There
is no scope for any third party involvement."
