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Peace process to continue: PM
Moscow, Nov 12: India intends to continue with the step-by-step process of normalisation of diplomatic and other ties with Pakistan; but for any meaningful political dialogue, cross-border terrorism has to end, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee has reaffirmed.
Moscow, Nov 12: India intends to continue with the step-by-step process of normalisation of diplomatic and other ties with Pakistan; but for any meaningful political dialogue, cross-border terrorism has to end, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee has reaffirmed.
In an interview to a Russian daily, the Prime Minister said it was incorrect to say that the country was unwilling for talks with Pakistan.
``India remains committed to discussing all outstanding issues with Pakistan peacefully through bilateral dialogue in accordance with the Shimla Agreement and the Lahore Declaration. What we do say is that for any meaningful political dialogue, cross-border terrorism unleashed in Jammu and Kashmir has to stop. Dialogue and terrorism do not go hand in hand,`` Vajpayee said.
He said India intended to continue with the step-by-step process of normalisation of diplomatic and other links with Pakistan building on the successes achieved and the support generated so that lasting peace was established.
Listing the steps India had taken after his April 18 initiative to normalise ties with Pakistan, the Prime Minister said a great deal of ``positive resonance`` had been generated among the people in the two countries.
India believed that greater interaction in areas of economic cooperation, cultural exchanges and people-to-people contact between the two countries could help create a climate of friendship and trust in which more difficult political issues could be addressed.
In another interview, Vajpayee decried the ``selective approaches`` for fighting terrorism which sacrifice long-term goal for short-term interests and said ``differing standards`` could not be applied for judging terrorism.
He said India totally dismissed the proposition that any religion is a source of terrorism. Such arguments discredit one of the great religions of the world.
``No religion prescribes violence against innocent people,`` he said, asserting that India`s battle is against extremist elements who misuse and misinterpret religion to justify terrorism and incite violence.
Pointing out that democratic societies are most vulnerable to terrorism, the Prime Minister said it was only through a determined coalition of democratic countries which could effectively counter-terrorism.
``We should not be cowed down by those who have embraced the cult of violence and terrorism. Our two countries can do much to promote the values of tolerance and moderation in an increasingly turbulent world."
Bureau Report
In an interview to a Russian daily, the Prime Minister said it was incorrect to say that the country was unwilling for talks with Pakistan.
``India remains committed to discussing all outstanding issues with Pakistan peacefully through bilateral dialogue in accordance with the Shimla Agreement and the Lahore Declaration. What we do say is that for any meaningful political dialogue, cross-border terrorism unleashed in Jammu and Kashmir has to stop. Dialogue and terrorism do not go hand in hand,`` Vajpayee said.
He said India intended to continue with the step-by-step process of normalisation of diplomatic and other links with Pakistan building on the successes achieved and the support generated so that lasting peace was established.
Listing the steps India had taken after his April 18 initiative to normalise ties with Pakistan, the Prime Minister said a great deal of ``positive resonance`` had been generated among the people in the two countries.
India believed that greater interaction in areas of economic cooperation, cultural exchanges and people-to-people contact between the two countries could help create a climate of friendship and trust in which more difficult political issues could be addressed.
In another interview, Vajpayee decried the ``selective approaches`` for fighting terrorism which sacrifice long-term goal for short-term interests and said ``differing standards`` could not be applied for judging terrorism.
He said India totally dismissed the proposition that any religion is a source of terrorism. Such arguments discredit one of the great religions of the world.
``No religion prescribes violence against innocent people,`` he said, asserting that India`s battle is against extremist elements who misuse and misinterpret religion to justify terrorism and incite violence.
Pointing out that democratic societies are most vulnerable to terrorism, the Prime Minister said it was only through a determined coalition of democratic countries which could effectively counter-terrorism.
``We should not be cowed down by those who have embraced the cult of violence and terrorism. Our two countries can do much to promote the values of tolerance and moderation in an increasingly turbulent world."
Bureau Report