New Delhi, Aug 14: India today said it was not surprised at comments made by Pakistan Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali in a speech to mark his country`s Independence Day during which he referred to the oft-repeated statement that Kashmiri people should be granted their right of self-determination. "We are not surprised at what has been said. We would have been surprised if nothing was said," External Affairs Ministry spokesman told reporters here.
He was asked about Jamali`s speech at a flag hoisting ceremony in Islamabad. Declaring that Pakistan was all for friendly and cordial ties with India, Jamali, however, said the objective can`t be realised till Kashmiris are granted their right of self-determination.
Asked about remarks by US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage in Sydney that Kashmir, apart from Israel and Palestine, was the "most dangerous place in the world", the MEA spokesman said, "I have not seen the specific statement."
Armitage had said, "There are a lot of other dangerous parts in the world. India and Pakistan over Kashmir comes to mind."
Similar remarks from the US administration in the past have come in for flak from the Indian government, which has described them as "over-reaction" and not in tune with reality on the ground.
Bureau Report