Posted by Ashok Chowgule (ashokvc@giasbm01.vsnl.net.in)
http://www.bjp.org/news/jun2699.htm
June 25, 1999
Title: Statement issued by BJP Study Committee on Foreign Affairs Author: Publication: http://www.bjp.org/news/jun2699.htm Date: June 25, 1999 It is not unusual for Congress leaders to strike a rabidly anti-Government posture on any given issue. But Shri Natwar Singh's remarks on the G-8 communique as reported in the Press show the abysmal level to which Congressmen like him can descend to make political capital out of a national crisis. Shri Natwar Singh has said that the fact that Pakistan has not been named by the G-8 shows that they are putting India and Pakistan in the same bracket. Yet, it is crystal clear to the entire world that the G-8 has held Pakistan fully responsible for intruding into the Indian side of the Line of Control. The G-8 has also described the violation of the LoC as "irresponsible" behaviour on the part of Pakistan. In a sense, Shri Natwar Singh's interpretation is similar to that of Pakistan. It is amazing that at a time when the international community is appreciative of the restraint exercised by India in dealing with the Pakistani misadventure and of the success of Indian diplomacy in convincing the G-8 and others that Pakistan has violated the Line of Control and thus committed aggression, Shri Natwar Singh has chosen to live in a make-believe world of his own. His perverse utterances show that the Congress is yet to grow out of the adolescent years of Indian diplomacy. The Congress is unable to comprehend the significant changes taking place in international affairs. While world powers have recognised India's commitment to promotion of peace as also our determination to defend India's territorial integrity, the Congress is caught in a time-warp. Shri Natwar Singh goes on to criticise the Government for its "pathetic attempts to clutch on to any straw to get an international certificate." It is pathetic that he has miserably failed to perceive the change in international attitude on Indo-Pak issues. This change is a result of the Vajpayee Government's pro-active diplomacy and dialogue with a number of countries. Shri Natwar Singh and company cannot comprehend this change as they continue to live in the Congress era of a low-profile India unable to rise above the level of Pakistan. It is also amazing that after spending so many years in diplomatic service, Shri Natwar Singh is unable to comprehend the meaning of "internationalising" an issue. The mere mention of an issue by the G-8 does not mean that the issue has been internationalised, more so when the G-8 countries have maintained that the issue should be settled bilaterally by India and Pakistan. Shri Natwar Singh's logic is as perverse as his statement. (Ram Kripal Sinha) Office Secretary
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