The Hindu : Uncalled for, says Islamabad

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Jun 13, 2003

Front Page

Front Page

Uncalled for, says Islamabad

By B. Muralidhar Reddy

ISLAMABAD JUNE 12. Pakistan tonight denounced the reported statement of the Deputy Prime Minister, L.K. Advani, that Pakistan was the "epicentre of terrorism" as "uncalled for and unhelpful" and said that it was against the spirit of Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee's peace initiatives.

In a formal statement, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said that allegations of Pakistan's involvement in terrorism were not only factually incorrect but also against Mr. Vajpayee's offer of friendship and dialogue.

Pakistan was in the "forefront" of the fight against terrorism and a key ally in the international war on terrorism. "No country in the world has done more than Pakistan in combating this menace." Such remarks coming from an Indian leader were "unhelpful" and the two countries should remain focused on the dialogue and peace process, he said.

Mr. Advani's statement is only expected to reinforce the perception in the Pakistani establishment that the Vajpayee Government is a divided house. The newly-appointed spokesman, Masood Khan, said that New Delhi should get "its act together and speak in one voice".

Pakistan noted with concern statements from the Indian leadership over normalising ties with Islamabad, he said adding that there should not be any conditionalities before the talks.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Front Page

Stories in this Section

India, U.S. must fight jehadi terrorism together: Advani

Uncalled for, says Islamabad

PM's China visit from June 22

China upbeat

Kanchi Acharya's claim questioned

BJP undecided on making Ayodhya a poll issue

Yaseen Malik arrested

3 Governors take oath

Maruti opens public offer

Curfew in Poonch

Bodies retrieved

Gregory Peck is dead