The Hindu : Advani rejects Pak. suggestion

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Feb 17, 2002

National

National

Advani rejects Pak. suggestion
By Our Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI, FEB. 16. The war of words between India and Pakistan further intensified today with the Union Home Minister, L.K. Advani, rejecting Islamabad's suggestion of negotiation for the return of 20 terrorists who may be present in Pakistan.

Ruling out the immediate handover of the terrorists, the Pakistan President, Pervez Musharraf, had told the media in Washington that the subject needed to be addressed ``when we start negotiating on all issues, including Kashmir.'' In Dubai, Pakistan's Foreign Minister, Abdul Sattar, said that India should explore the possibility of using the SAARC Convention on terrorism to get the 20 listed fugitives in Pakistan extradited.

Mr. Advani, speaking at the raising day function of the Delhi Police, asserted that ``India will believe Pakistan is sincere in doing what it has been saying only if it hands over the 20 terrorists and criminals.'' India was still awaiting the termination of cross-border terrorism, ending financial support to militants, prevention of infiltration, closing of terrorist camps, apart from the handover of the 20 wanted men by Pakistan. Mr. Advani said India will not be carried away by ``big '' announcements form Islamabad. Instead, `` we will see on the ground whether demands made by us have been met.''

Citing the example of the UAE, which recently deported Aftab Ansari, main accused in the Kolkata case, Mr. Advani said Pakistan too should follow suit and hand over the terrorists.

``The Government of that country knew that Aftab was holding a Pakistani passport. But since he was an Indian citizen, they did not object and handed him over to India. Pakistan should also do the same with the list we have given them and prove that they are actually committed to curbing all forms of terrorism.''

Dwelling upon the December 13 attack on Parliament, Mr. Advani said the courage and alertness of the Delhi Police and other security personnel prevented a tragedy which would have paled even the September 11 attacks in the United States.

``The incident did not look that big only because our personnel not only prevented the terrorists from entering the House, but also arrested those involved in the conspiracy within a very short period of time,'' he said.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

National