Home minister L K Advani on Saturday said Pakistan was not serious about handing over 20 terrorists and criminals wanted by New Delhi which could pave the way for easing of tensions between the two countries. "Their leader (Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf) made a very strong speech that he is against terrorism, that he will not allow terrorist activities, but there is no action on the ground," Advani said.

India handed over the list of its most wanted men to Pakistan following the December 13 attack on Parliament which New Delhi blamed on two Pakistan-based militant groups.
Musharraf has refused to hand over any of the Pakistani nationals, but has asked New Delhi to supply evidence against non-Pakistanis who are wanted here for various alleged acts of terrorism and criminal offences. But Advani said: "We don't see any eagerness on their part to send us the 20 terrorists and it is good that yesterday (Friday) America has also talked about it."

On Friday, a top US official said in Washington that the United States had asked Islamabad to hand over the 20 men wanted by New Delhi as it was an important step to reduce tensions. "We have asked the Pakistanis to hand these terrorists over to India or even try them in their own country and convict them," said Harry Thomas, director in charge of South Asia in the US National Security Council. "That is very important. That will lead to a reduction in tensions... we will work hard at it," Thomas added. Bureau Report