Author: Masood Hussain
Publication: The Economic Times
Date: October 30, 2009
Introduction: Says Pak Ending Terror Not A
Precondition For Talks
WINDING up his two-day "productive and
fruitful" visit, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said he is returning satisfied
to Delhi as "a new chapter" was opening in the peace process in
J&K. With all the stakeholders given a chance to achieve "a permanent
and peaceful reconciliation", Mr Singh hoped that his appeal for dialogue
would be "reciprocated in the spirit in which it was made".
"I made an appeal yesterday for dialogue
and I hope that it will be reciprocated in the spirit in which it was made,"
the prime minister told a crowded news conference after interacting with the
police and the paramilitary forces. "We have to carry all stakeholders
with us to achieve a permanent and peaceful reconciliation in J&K so that
we can concentrate on an ambitious development agenda that will lead to full
economic revival and reconstructions."
"We regret that OIC has got into this
issue," Dr Singh said when asked about the Organisation of the Islamic
Conference (OIC) appointing a special envoy, Libyan leader raking up the issue
in UN and China resorting to cartographic statements. "We have lodged
a protest with OIC on this account."
India, he said, wants peaceful resolution
of "all problems involving J&K", both in its internal and external
dimensions. "And we are not acting under anybody's pressure and are not
going to be induced to act under pressure of anybody," he said, adding
that it is in the interest of the people of J&K as well as that of Pakistan.
He also reiterated the plan to engage even
hardliners in serious discussions provided they shun the path of violence.
Mr Singh, however, linked the implementation
of certain confidence building measures (CBM) with cooperation from Pakistan.
"I have outlined them (CBM) in my speech yesterday. And I have also said
that, these CBMs should move further ahead, which requires the cooperation
of the people and the government of Pakistan." Mr Singh said he "sincerely
hope that Pakistan will create an atmosphere in which negotiations can lead
to a fruitful result".
He said Islamabad must end terror and create
a situation conducive for talks. Asked if his insistence over ending terror
for talks is a precondition, the prime minister said it was not. "I have
maintained on more than one occasion that destinies of India and Pakistan
are closely interlinked. If negotiations to deal with all outstanding issues
are to make any headway, it is essential that the terrorist elements should
be brought under control," he said.
