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Journalism of Courage
Defence Minister George Fernandes today dismissed suggestions of talks with Pakistan in the immediate future and said the Centre was now going ahead with confidence building measures with that country.
Fernandes told reporters, immediately after attending an investiture ceremony of the Indian Coast Guard here, that talks will be held when the situation demanded it. ‘‘When we reach the time for talks, it will be held. But it is not very close,’’ he said.
On the efforts taken by Pakistan to curb cross-border terrorism and curbing activities of terror outfits, Fernandes said: ‘‘Pakistan has taken some steps and asked some terrorist leaders and groups not to venture into certain areas. If the directive is acted upon, our government will welcome it.’’
On Pakistan’s insistence for third party intervention in the Kashmir issue, Fernandes said that the issues should be solved bilaterally. Regarding relief work taken up by Indian armed forces in Sri Lanka, he said Indian personnel and material were at the island nation’s command.
