New Delhi, June 03: In a frank exchange of views with young American political leaders here today, BJP president M Venkaiah Naidu conveyed the "general disappointment" of the people of India over Washington's "soft corner" for Pakistan as against its strong stand against Taliban and al-Qaeda. "There is a general feeling of disappointment among the people that the United States has not taken the same kind of strong attitude towards Pakistan sponsored terrorism as it has taken towards Taliban and al Qaeda. In this context, there is a feeling that double standards are being followed by US while dealing with Islamabad," Naidu said. He was talking with a delegation of American Council for Young Political Leaders (ACYPL) comprising representatives from both the ruling Republican and opposition Democratic parties at the BJP headquarters here. Asserting that India wanted peaceful co-existence with all countries including Pakistan, Naidu said "unfortunately, so far the experience with Pakistan has not been positive given its continuing support to cross-border terrorism." He said while India was fully capable of dealing with the problem of cross-border terrorism, the international community also had a responsibility to crush the menace of terrorism "wherever it is and in whichever form." He expressed hope that the latest peace initiative of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee would result in lasting peace between the two countries.

Bureau Report