The Hindu : Front Page : No dilution of our stand: Manmohan

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Saturday, Jul 18, 2009
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Front Page

Front Page

No dilution of our stand: Manmohan

Special Correspondent

‘Engagement only way to create stable South Asia’

NEW DELHI: A day after meeting Pakistan Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani in Egypt, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh told Parliament on Friday that the joint statement delinking the composite dialogue process from action by Islamabad on combating India-directed terrorism did not amount to diluting New Delhi’s stand.

Delinking the composite dialogue and action by Pakistan against terrorism “only strengthens our commitment that meaningful process of engagement cannot move forward unless and until Pakistan takes measures to control terrorism,” the Prime Minister said responding to customary clarifications in the Rajya Sabha on a statement on his recent visits to Italy, France and Egypt.

Dr. Singh said the formulation of the joint statement that “action on terrorism should not be linked” meant that Pakistan “cannot await other developments” before acting. “When and in what form we broaden the dialogue with Pakistan will depend on future developments,” he said, adding engagement was the only way to create a stable and prosperous South Asia.

The Egypt interaction led to the understanding between both sides to share real time, credible and actionable information on any future terrorist threat.

The Prime Ministers also agreed on frequent meetings between the Foreign Secretaries leading up to a meeting of the Foreign Ministers at the United Nations in September.

Dr. Singh told the House that Mr. Gilani and Pakistani parliamentarians from various parties accompanying him had said there was consensus in the country against the activities of “these” terrorist groups and strong action against them was in Pakistan’s own interest.

Hoping for a “forward movement in the coming months,” Dr. Singh repeated his offer of “[going] more than half way” provided Pakistan created the conditions for a meaningful dialogue.

However, unhappy with the Prime Minister’s statement and accusing the government of reversing the country’s long-held position, Leader of the Opposition L.K. Advani led the Bharatiya Janata Party members in a walkout in the Lok Sabha.

Immediately after Dr. Singh finished his statement, Mr. Advani said delinking terrorism from the composite dialogue had been Pakistan’s “demand,” which India conceded. “What has happened that made you change the stance? The government has capitulated.”

Pranab’s objection

Leader of the House Pranab Mukherjee objected to Mr. Advani’s statement saying there was a system for seeking a discussion in the Lok Sabha on the Prime Minister’s statement.

Dr. Singh made the statement after there were demands from the Opposition in both Houses for a clarification on the reason for the “change” in the government position on dialogue with Pakistan.

Also see:

Editorial: There must be no backsliding

No ‘sell-out’ at Sharm-el-Sheikh; Pak forced to admit terror link

Joint statement by India and Pakistan at Sharm-el-Sheikh

India and Pakistan to ‘delink’ action on terror from dialogue

Joint statement flowed from meeting of Prime Ministers

Where is Kashmir, ask Pakistani media

India, Pakistan positive on talks

India, Pakistan facing ‘last chance’ for dialogue

A peace song from across the border

Audio: An ode to India-Pakistan peace

“Security Council resolution no basis for Saeed’s detention”