International
Powell arriving in Pak. today on 'thanksgiving mission'
By B. Muralidhar Reddy
ISLAMABAD, JAN. 15. The United States Secretary of State, Colin Powell, is arriving here tomorrow, in what is believed essentially as a thanksgiving mission to the Pakistan President, Pervez Musharraf, for the steps he has unveiled to tackle the menace of terrorism and plead with India to reciprocate the gesture by pulling back its troops from the forward positions.
The diplomatic community here, particularly the U.S. and its western allies, believe that Gen. Musharraf has delivered a `landmark' speech outlining concrete steps to address concerns of the international community and India on terrorism and now the ball was in India's court. ``Under the given circumstances, it is indeed a bold speech by Gen. Musharraf. We believe that New Delhi must respond positively to the steps he has outlined by withdrawing its troops from the border and pave the way for reduction of tension'', a senior diplomat said.
The statement made by the Defence Minister, George Fernandes, that India has no intention of withdrawing its troops from the forward positions has caused dismay in diplomatic circles as well as in the Pakistani establishment.
Gen. Powell, in the course of his discussions with Gen. Musharraf, is expected to thank him profusely for his ``bold and courageous steps'' to crackdown on religious extremism and the jehadi forces in Pakistan. He would also have discussions with the Pakistan Foreign Minister, Abdul Sattar, on bilateral issues and the tense situation prevailing between India and Pakistan.
Gen. Musharraf is expected to renew his appeal to Gen. Powell for a more `pro-active' role from the international community in resolution of the Kashmir tangle and persuade India to sit across the table to resolve all differences including Kashmir.
In the course of his hour-long speech on January 12, Gen. Musharraf had made a specific reference to the subject.
``I would like to address the international community, particularly the United States on this occasion....Now you must play an active role in solving the Kashmir dispute for the sake of lasting peace and harmony in the region. We should be under no illusion that the legitimate demand of the people of Kashmir can ever be suppressed without their just resolution. Kashmiris also expect you to ask India to bring an end to state terrorism and human rights violations'', Gen. Musharraf had said.
From Islamabad, Mr. Powell would fly to New Delhi for discussions with the Vajpayee Government on the prevailing situation between the two nuclear states.
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