Talk, there’ll be no violence: Pak

‘‘If India feels that cross-border terrorism would increase when the snow melts in Kashmir, there is all the more reason to talk with Pakistan. If we talk and talk soon, this feared increase in violence won’t take place,’’ Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Khurshid Mehmood Kasuri told BBC.com in an exclusive interview, according to a release from the BBC World Service.

Assuring that his country would not press on international mediation to resolve the Kashmir issue, Kasuri said, ‘‘India keeps saying it is a bilateral issue but does not want to talk to us. If they can ensure sustained and serious dialogue, we won’t press on third-party mediation.’’

Lauding the recent offer of friendship made by Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, Kasuri said, ‘‘We have heard a lot of belligerent statements from Indian ministers in recent days. However, the Indian Prime Minister has shown tatesman-like qualities in talking about peace,’’ the BBC release quoted him as having said. Earlier today, New Delhi said it would wait for the response from Islamabad before deciding it was time for resumption of dialogue.

‘‘We have to see how Pakistan will respond. We have to see whether they are stopping cross-border infiltration and whether there is a dismantling of infrastructure of terrorism. And thereafter, doors for dialogue are open,’’ an External Affairs Ministry spokesman told reporters. He was asked whether there has been any follow-up action to the offer made by Vajpayee.

While extending the hand of friendship, Vajpayee stressed that a ‘‘new beginning’’ was possible and that dialogue could take place on all issues, including the Kashmir issue. He, however, emphasised that the hand of friendship had to be extended from both sides.

‘‘We will have to see… essentially, do they or do they not stop cross-border infiltration and dismantle the infrastructure of terrorism that is there in that country,’’ the spokesman said. Pakistan had made certain commitments to the international community which, he said, was asking it to honour them. ‘‘We would like to see the actual end of cross-border infiltration.’’ Asked whether international pressure was making an impact on Pakistan, he said, ‘‘that is an open question. We have to see what actually happens in reality and on the ground.’’