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Cross-border terrorism must end: Denmark

By Amit Baruah

COPENHAGEN Oct. 11. The Danish Prime Minister, Anders Rasmussen, said here today that an end to cross-border infiltration was of vital importance to create a ``positive climate for a fruitful dialogue'' between India and Pakistan. Addressing a joint press conference with the Indian Prime Minister , Atal Behari Vajpayee, he said ``I would like to stress that we certainly recognise that India is a victim of terrorism and, therefore, we have again and again condemned terrorist acts....we have made every effort to persuade the leader of Pakistan to put an end to cross-border infiltration....''

It appeared that Mr. Rasmussen was unprepared for the virulence of the Indian response to the views he expressed yesterday and took a more balanced approach by bringing in Pakistan and cross-border terrorism. Indian diplomats also met with their EU counterparts to explain New Delhi's position.

The Danish leader said he had met the Pakistani President, Gen. Pervez Musharraf, some weeks ago and ``strongly urged him'' to put an end to both cross-border infiltration and terrorism. ``It is completely unacceptable,'' he said. He said an end to infiltration and terrorism would create a ``better atmosphere'' for a positive dialogue — a position quite close to what New Delhi itself has been articulating from time to time. ``It is quite understandable that people don't feel confident with a dialogue which is accompanied by terrorist acts and cross-border infiltration. That is understandable but I don't think terrorists have the right to veto a peaceful dialogue so to speak.'' In his opening remarks, Mr. Vajpayee said that India attached a great deal of importance to the Indo-EU summit held yesterday and the bilateral meetings he had with his Danish hosts today. ``Relations between India and Denmark are friendly and warm. I have had constructive discussions today with Prime Minister Rasmussen on bilateral regional and international issues,'' he said. In the bilateral exchanges, the two countries discussed ways to enhance trade and investment.

``We have identified several potential areas for cooperation, including information technology, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, food processing and non-conventional energy sources,'' he said.

``India and Denmark share the view that terrorism must be rooted out completely. Both countries are committed to countering this grave threat to open, democratic and multi-cultural societies such as ours,'' Mr. Vajpayee said.

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