We are willing to discuss bilateral issues with Pakistan — Vajpayee

Official sources pointed out that the Prime Minister was only reiterating the Government’s known position which was spelt out again just two days ago in response to the Hizbul’s revocation of its ceasefire offer. The Government had then also stated its willingness to talk to Pakistan but had made it clear that the dialogue had to be a bilateral one.

Vajpayee’s remarks were addressed to a query from Congress leader Pranab Mukherjee who asked what the precondition the Government had set for the resumption of dialogue with Pakistan — restoration of democracy or restoration of peace.

He cut in while Minister of State for External Affairs Ajit Panja was speaking with the intention of setting the record straight. Panja had said earlier, “India is ready to resume talk with Pakistan, but it has to be within the parameters of the Simla Agreement.”

Significantly, Vajpayee made no reference to the Simla Agreement although he stressed that the dialogue between Pakistan and India had to be a bilateral one.

“Though it is objectionable that a democratic government was toppled, we are willing to resume bilateral talks. India, as the biggest democracy, has always expressed has its unhappiness whenever elected government’s have been overthrown in military coup, especially in the neighbouring countries,” the Prime Minister said.

Completing his reply, Panja hinted at Pakistan sabotaging the peace talk. “While Majid Dar (Hizbul Mujahideen commander) in Srinagar was willing to pursue talks, Syed Salahudin in Islamabad withdrew the ceasefire under pressure his bosses in Islamabad,” Panja said.

Panja also said the Government was examining the newspaper reports which said that the Pakistan Cabinet presided by the Chief Executive General Musharraf had expressed its solidarity with the Kashmir militants.

The External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh also made a reference to Kashmir militancy, saying that the Government was taking appropriate steps to plug the border to stop infiltration of militants from Pakistani side.

Clinton-Vajpayee to discuss terrorism

WASHINTON:US President Bill Clinton has no plan to meet Pakistan’s military ruler General Pervez Musharraf during the UN millennium summit in New York next month, but will be holding talks with Vajpayee, when the latter visits Washington after attending the UN summit. Presidential press secretary Joe Lockhart said international terrorism, which is a priority of India during the summit, would also be on the agenda of Clinton-Vajpayee meeting.