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Bush-Vajpayee talks will go beyond cross-border terrorism

By Sridhar Krishnaswami

Washington SEPT. 5. The Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee, will be in the United States for about six days next week, in a visit that is not bilateral but related to the activities of the United Nations primarily.

Mr. Vajpayee's programmes with world leaders in New York on the sidelines of the U.N. meet are being worked on. But for now only two things are a certainty — he will meet the U.S. President, George W. Bush, and will not be meeting the Pakistan President, Pervez Musharraf.

"I don't think there is any likelihood of a bilateral meeting with President Musharraf," said India's Ambassador to the U.S., Lalit Mansingh. The meeting with Mr. Bush is scheduled for September 12. The Secretary of State and the National Security Adviser are expected to be present.

The focus of the Vajpayee-Bush meeting is expected to be on the "width and depth'' of the bilateral relationship. Terrorism will be discussed; and this will include what is taking place across the Line of Control, the infrastructure of terrorism and efforts by elements to disrupt the upcoming polls in Kashmir. But the focus of the talks is not going to be "narrow'', Mr. Mansingh said. Arriving in New York on September 10, Mr. Vajpayee has a full agenda that includes participation in a solemn remembrance ceremony on September 11 at Battery Park. Mr. Vajpayee will also meet the relatives of victims of Indian nationals and people of Indian origin who died in the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center.

Mr. Vajpayee will meet the leaders of the Jewish American community.

On September 13, he will address the U.N. General Assembly and meet different community leaders, including Indian American Muslims who have requested a session. That evening, Mr. Vajpayee will attend a reception hosted by Mr. Mansingh.

In addition to participating in a community function organised by the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan on September 14, Mr.Vajpayee will address a public meeting in New York.

The next day, after another round of bilaterals and a "possible'' meeting with journalists, he will leave for India.

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