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PM's efforts at peace-making welcomed

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI MAY 3. The Union Minister and Janata Dal (United) chief, Sharad Yadav, today welcomed the latest initiative of the Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee, to improve Indo-Pak. relations saying it would allow the country to focus on issues of relevance.

"The tension between the two countries was diverting the attention of the nation from many issues of importance. Both countries have several problems like poverty and backwardness. We hope that the steps taken by the Prime Minister would bring lasting peace," Mr. Yadav said after a conference of JD (U) office-bearers.

Decrying the attempts by some outfits to raise `non-issues' by distributing tridents, swords or lathis, he said it was time to bring back the focus on issues concerning people.

The CPI supported the effort at peace-making with Pakistan. In a statement, the party's central secretariat said it was to be hoped that Pakistan would respond by taking effective steps to end cross-border terrorism and give peace a lasting chance. These steps needed to be backed up by people-to-people contacts and the resumption of various other links and exchanges.

"The need for caution is understandable and we hope that the Government will go ahead steadily in the direction of meaningful talks between the two neighbours in the interests of peace and development in the region and also contribute towards world peace," the statement said.

The Janata Party president, Subramanian Swamy, also welcomed the Prime Minister's statement calling for the normalisation of relations with Pakistan and in stressing "dialogue instead of bellicosity in interaction with our neighbour". He expressed concern over the NDA's `frequent somersaults' on Indo-Pak. relations and expressed the hope that India would negotiate with Pakistan "with mental discipline, adequate preparation and clarity".

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