George sues for peace

New Delhi, May 6: The Government today moved to mollify China over its spat with Defence Minister George Fernandes, even as Fernandes attemp...

New Delhi, May 6: The Government today moved to mollify China over its spat with Defence Minister George Fernandes, even as Fernandes attempted in his own way to smoothen ruffled feathers by saying he had always wanted to create 8220;peace and amity8221; between India and its neighbours.

8220;It appears that there is a feeling in certain circles that I am not keen on an India-China dialogue to resolve the outstanding issues between our two countries,8221; Fernandes said in a statement from Port Blair in the Andamans, where he is on a visit. 8220;During the Krishna Menon Memorial Lecture on May 3, my emphasis was precisely on creating peace and amity between India and China and India and Pakistan8230;I reciprocate China8217;s commitment to the ongoing dialogue with India, and believe that it will lead to a satisfactory settlement between our two countries,8221; Fernandes added.

A definite sense of relief was dominant in the Government today, with sources hoping statements by the Ministry of External Affairs and Fernandes had putan end to the unseemly argument that had recently hogged newspaper space. The MEA8217;s official statement was all about 8220;eliminating differences and promoting understanding8221; between the world8217;s most populous countries, which would 8220;also contribute to the promotion of regional and international peace and stability.8221;

Vajpayee8217;s contribution as minister of external affairs from 1977-79 was recalled, and with any eye to rebutting criticism from the Left parties and the Congress it was pointed out that 8220;it was at his initiative that the first understanding8221; on building peace and stability along the bilateral border was reached.

The MEA statement forgot to add that Vajpayee, during a visit to China in 1979 as the foreign minister had actually cut short his visit, because it was during that visit that China invaded Vietnam.

The Government8217;s attempt to control the possible damage in relations that could result with a growing superpower was obvious. 8220;We remain committed to8230;the development of a friendly,cooperative, good neighbourly, mutually beneficial relationship with China, our largest neighbour,8221; the MEA statement added.

But Fernandes, though considerably toned down in his remarks from the Andamans, did not appear unfazed. 8220;Of course, I put the spotlight on contentious issues with our neighbours with the purpose of making the Indian people conscious about them. This is because I do believe that matters of national security must become people8217;s concerns.8221;

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Fernandes does appear to have considerable support in his views across the armed forces as well as in the bureaucracy, except that these people ask why Fernandes needed to voice these views so openly. 8220;How is it going to help us,8221; the sources said, 8220;if differences with a strong opponent are played up.8221;

Former foreign secretary A P Venkateswaran, a China hand himself, said he felt 8220;the failure of India8217;s China policy was a failure of the national leadership.