New York, Sept 04: Terrorism, especially in the context of Pakistan's failure to keep its promise to dismantle terror networks, and Iraq will top Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's agenda when he addresses the United Nations General Assembly on September 25. Vajpayee, who arrives here on Sept 19 for a week-long stay, will have a series of meetings with heads of states and government during which he would discuss bilateral and international issues in depth.
Though officials are tight-lipped about Vajpayee's programme, he is likely to meet US President George W Bush who will address the 191-member assembly on Sept 23.
But the likelihood of any interaction with Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf, who would also be here for the session, is more or less ruled out. Musharraf addresses the assembly on Sept 24 and Vajpayee would have the advantage of replying to any issues raised by him as he speaks a day later.
The need for a multilateral approach in resolving issues of war and peace and poverty alleviation would also figure in the Prime Minister's address. though not yet confirmed, he might also address the special un session on aids being held on Sept 22. Besides meeting world leaders, Vajpayee's hectic schedule will include public meetings and interaction with groups of non-resident Indians.
Bureau Report