Author: Lally Weymouth (Newsweek)
Publication: The Indian Express
Date: June 24, 2002
Q.: US Deputy Secretary of State
Richard Armitage told you that President Musharraf had made certain promises
(to stop the flow of militants from Pakistan-controlled Kashmir into India).
Has Pakistan made a fundamental change?
A.: There has been no change in
Pakistan's policy so far as cross-border infiltration is concerned. Every
day we are getting reports that infiltration continues.
Q.: Did Musharraf promise to get
rid of the training camps in Pakistan- controlled Kashmir and also in Pakistan?
A.: Yes, in both areas. That was
the promise. There are 50 to 70 terrorist training camps in Pakistan-occupied
Kashmir and in Pakistan.
Q.: Do you think Musharraf is trustworthy?
A.: (He laughs) We are prepared
to deal with him as he is, but we are cautious this time. Our past experience
is not very encouraging.
Q.: Do you think Pakistan and India
have turned the corner?
A.: If Pakistan implements the
assurances given to us, a new beginning can be made.
Q.: If Musharraf fulfils his promises
to end terrorism from Pakistani soil, what moves would India make in response?
A.: We will start a dialogue. India
will be ready to have talks with Pakistan on all issues, including Jammu
and Kashmir.
Q.: And would you meet with Musharraf?
A.: If his promises are implemented.
Q.: When will you pull some of your
troops back from the Line of Control?
A.: It will take some time. Let
us see what happens on the ground.
Q.: How close were you to war?
A.: Touch-and-go. I did not rule
out the possibility of war. Until the last minute, we were hoping that
wiser counsels would prevail and there would be no confrontation.
Q.: Did the Pakistanis promise to
do everything you wanted?
A.: Not everything. They did not
promise to behave as a friendly neighbour. We sought that promise.
Q.: How do you view the forthcoming
elections in Kashmir? Do you think they will be free and fair? How do you
feel about having outside observers?
A.: The elections will be held
under the supervision of the central election commission. And we have made
a commitment that the elections will be free and fair.
Q.: Isn't it hard to have free and
fair elections when Pakistan-backed terrorists recently killed Abdul Ghani
Lone?
A.: Pakistan is not interested
in having elections. It is Pakistan's responsibility to stop terrorists
from disturbing the elections. We have an elected government in Jammu and
Kashmir. Voters should be given a choice.
Q.: Some say that India has rigged
the past elections?
A.: This time elections will be
free and fair. International opinion is strongly in favour of such an election.
Journalists are allowed to go to Kashmir.
Q.: It is said that you have a plan
for Kashmir. What is it?
A.: I will disclose the plan at
the right moment. It's not only political but includes economic development.
Q.: Is autonomy the long-term solution
for Kashmir?
A.: We are for the devolution of
power. We have asked our friend Farooq Abdullah what stands in his way
of developing the state and ensuring the welfare of the people...So far,
he has not come forward with any concrete proposals.
Q.: Did September 11 change things
in this region? Do you think there is more understanding of India's problems
and a stronger India-US relationship?
A.: After the 11th, there was international
recognition that the problem of terrorism was not confined to Afghanistan.
India has been fighting terrorism for two decades. There was a recognition
that terrorism is a worldwide menace and must be tackled.
Q.: Did the Chinese play a more
balanced role in the recent crisis? After all, they have always been a
friend of Pakistan.
A.: The Chinese did not play an
important role but advised both countries to settle all issues in a peaceful
manner. There has been no basic change in China's policy. China continues
to help Pakistan acquire weapons and equipment.
Q.: Did the US make a mistake in
making Pakistan a partner in the terror war?
A.: No, it was the right policy.
Pakistan should be pressured to fight terror not only in Afghanistan but
inside Pakistan itself. Terrorism is terrorism whether in the East or in
the West.
Q.: But the US has not succeeded
in capturing the leadership of Al Qaeda. Where are they?
A.: They may be in Pakistan.
Q.: Do you think bin Laden is alive?
A.: Yes.
Q.: Do the Pakistanis know where
he is?
A.: Of course. Broadly speaking,
they know where the Al Qaeda and Taliban are.
Q.: Are elements of the Al Qaeda
operating in Pakistani-controlled Kashmir?
A.: The terrorist organisations
operating in Kashmir are closely linked to Al Qaeda and other jehadi organisations
directly supported by Pakistan.
Q.: Would it help to meet with President
Musharraf?
A.: There has to be a basis for
talks. I went to Lahore and after that, there was aggression in Kargil.
I invited Musharraf to a summit in Agra. It was a failure because Musharraf
refused to recognise that there was terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.
Q.: If Musharraf gives up cross-border
terrorism, then could relations between the two countries gradually improve?
A.: Yes.
Q.: Would you like that to happen
while you are prime minister?
A.: I would like to do it tomorrow.
Q.: Is Musharraf strong enough to
tackle the extremists?
A.: He is strong enough. Infiltration
cannot take place without the cooperation of the (Pakistani) army...And
there cannot be any training camps without the permission of the government
of Pakistan.
Q.: So is Musharraf like Arafat,
who says, ''I would like to do this but I am not strong enough''?
A.: Musharraf doesn't say that
(and) we don't buy that argument. There have been military dictators in
Pakistan before. Every time, the West defends them by saying that the alternative
will be even worse.
Q.: What should the US role be?
A.: That of a facilitator.
Q.: India used to say it didn't
want a third party to the Kashmir dispute. Hasn't the US emerged as a third
party?
A.: No. That's why I said a facilitator,
not a mediator.
(LATWP)
