Jaswant statement unhealthy: Lone

By Shujaat Bukhari

SRINAGAR JUNE 6. Senior leader of the All-Party Hurriyat Conference (APHC), Mr. Abdul Gani Lone, has taken strong exception to the statements of Foreign Ministers of India and Pakistan on the Hurriyat leaders' proposed meeting with Pakistan's military ruler Gen. Pervez Musharraf.

Accusing the Foreign Minister, Mr. Jaswant Singh, of ``throwing to the winds'' diplomatic etiquettes, Mr. Lone said ``by giving the statements these people are not contributing to an healthy atmosphere which is expected during the high level summit.'' Mr. Singh was harming the constructive and historical efforts of the Prime Minister, Mr. A. B. Vajpayee, towards reconciliation. Coming down heavily on some BJP leaders including Mr. Singh, Mr. Lone said ``since the BJP has always been in opposition it has become habitual for it to ignore statecraft and diplomatic ethics.''

Terming Mr. Singh's reported statement expressing shock over a possible meeting between the Hurriyat leaders and Gen. Musharraf, Mr. Lone said it was tantamount to dishonouring guests. ``The Centre cannot stop Gen. Musharraf from meeting the Hurriyat leaders,'' he added.

He also criticised the Pakistan Foreign Minister, Mr. Abdus Sattar's comment in this regard and said ``it is surprising.'' How can Gen Musharraf be subservient to the Government of India on meeting the people, asked Mr. Lone. He was addressing a rally of the activists of his parent party, People's Conference.

``Mr. Singh and Mr Sattar should keep this in mind that the Hurriyat leaders will not be meeting any Pakistani leader for the first time,'' he said adding that in the past they had a luncheon meeting for three hours with the former President, Mr. Farooq Khan Leghari. ``Heavens did not fall with that meeting,'' he said.

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