Date:27/10/2002 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2002/10/27/stories/2002102704880100.htm

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Not impairing SAARC meet: PM

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI OCT. 26. India today rejected Pakistan's contention that it was impairing the approaching SAARC conference in Islamabad and suggested that a substantial agenda for action should first be finalised before agreeing on firm dates for the meet.

New Delhi had always advocated closer economic and cultural ties among neighbouring countries. But no regional summit to further economic ties could succeed without a firm plan of action.

"It has always been India's position that regional cooperation in South Asia should not be held hostage by bilateral political differences between member countries. We have consistently advocated economic cooperation and cultural exchanges as a means of preparing a climate conducive for political reconciliation. But we have reached a strange situation where every worthwhile proposal for economic cooperation is being systematically sabotaged on irrational fears and political considerations. Then we are told we are dragging our feet on dates for the summit,'' the Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee, said while addressing the combined commanders' conference of the armed forces here today.

The Prime Minister's remarks come days before senior Indian officials are due to leave for Kathmandu to hold deliberations on the agenda for the SAARC meet, which Islamabad says could be held in early January. India is insisting on solid progress on the agenda, especially SAARC Area Preferential Trade Arrangement (SAPTA), the forerunner to a free trade arrangement between member countries (SAFTA). Only a positive evaluation could result in Mr. Vajpayee travelling to Pakistan for the conference, say senior officials.