Ready to discuss all issues: Fischer

By K.K. Katyal

BERLIN, MAY 16. A highly positive approach to India is reflected during the 50- minute exclusive interview to The Hindu here by Germany's Foreign Minister, Mr. Joschka Fischer. Speaking on Monday, a day before his departure for his very first visit to India, indeed to Asia, he gave plenty of clues to the shape of Germany's engagement with India. It did not mean there was a change in Germany's stand against the Indian nuclear tests but it did mean that there was ample willingness for intensive interaction on all manners of subjects, sensitive ones not excluded, with a view to strengthening mutual understanding and cooperation.

Particularly notable was Germany's support to India's claim for a permanent seat in the enlarged U.N. Security Council. In its publicly stated position till recently, Germany regarded India as a natural candidate while adding that it needed to enlist the support of the Asian region. Going beyond that he categorically stated: ``We are strongly in support of India, it is one of the biggest powers in the world.'' And with a wink he added: ``We rely on your support (for Germany's candidature for a Security Council seat.) However, he stuck to the regional-support criterion for the aspirants.''

Mr. Fischer did not mince words in condemning ``terrorist attacks in India and anywhere in the world,'' recalling how his Government got in touch with New Delhi at the time of the hijacking Indian Airlines plane and enquired if any help was needed. Asked whether Germany would emphasise the sanctity of the Line of Control in Jammu & Kashmir, he said that neither his country nor the European Union had, at any time, questioned the Line. This, in his view, was not a theoretical question revolving around the LoC but a substantive issue that there could be no peace in the midst of armed infiltration or terrorist activities.

Germany, according to him, fully supported the Lahore process, because this was considered the most effective track for dialogue. At the same time, he did not give the impression of being oblivious to India's concerns as also to the problems which, according to New Delhi, had not been created by it.

What was it that led Germany, which had taken a tough line against India on nuclear issues, to think in terms of a strategic dialogue with New Delhi and to begin a process of engagement? What was the turning point? He did not believe that there was any such point, saying that the change was a steady process. It was clear that Germany's judgment was influenced by increasing evidence of India's stature, the visit of the U.S. President, Mr. Bill Clinton, and similar other factors.

Mr. Fischer was extremely unhappy about the manner in which the Government's decision on green cards to Indian information technology experts was dragged into the campaign for the election in one of the major States. This was a reference to the campaign slogan of the opposition Christian Democrats ``Indians or children''. This, according to him, reflected a disregard of national interests by a section of politicians and he was happy that it had not paid them in the elections, held on Sunday.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Front Page
Previous : Fighting spreads to east of Jaffna
Next     : Ayodhya mahant shot