'India's negative attitude hurting peace initiative'

By B. Muralidhar Reddy

ISLAMABAD, JAN. 20. Pakistan today said the opportunity provided by the recent Kashmir peace initiatives appeared `slipping away,' thanks to the `visible negative attitude' of the Indian authorities. This, even as the Hizb-ul-Mujahideen claimed responsibility for two blasts in Kashmir which killed 11 soldiers.

At a news conference here, a Foreign Office spokesman accused India of adopting a negative approach when this correspondent sought his reaction to the Prime Minister, Mr. Atal Behari Vajpayee's statement at Udipi, Karnataka, on Thursday.

The theme of the conference was confined to the fresh sanctions on the Taliban regime. When a response was sought to Mr. Vajpayee's remarks, a Pakistani scribe butted in to ask whether the Prime Minister was right in making such `ridiculous statements.'

(Mr. Vajpayee had urged Pakistan to demonstrate its sincerity and commitment to the peace process by condemning the violence unleashed by the Pakistan-based militant organisations.

``The onus for creating a positive atmosphere for bilateral talks rests clearly with Pakistan,'' he said). The spokesman said his country favoured resumption of a dialogue and initiation of a peace process to address the Kashmir issue meaningfully.

He hoped that a delegation of the All-Parties Hurriyat Conference would visit Pakistan soon.

``We have no definite information on their ( the leaders') visit or issue of travel documents to facilitate their visit. We hope that the formalities for their travel will be completed soon... India needs to take decisions and demonstrate its sincerity for resolving the Kashmir dispute as per the wishes of the Kashmiris, international community and norms.''

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