'It Was A Partial Success'

It is most unfortunate and highly disappointing that the Indo-Pak SummitTalks did not lead to any joint declaration or a joint communique. It was apartial success because of the restoration of the process of dialogue.

The correct perception was to expect the Summit to be not result oriented butprocess-oriented. The process has commenced. The entire nation wanted theprocess to commence and by commencing the process, the Government has respondedto the sentiments, feelings and desires of not only people in India but, I amsure, also of the people in Pakistan and the worldover.

Let us realise that the destiny of the sub-continent lies in cordial andharmonious Indo-Pak relations. This process of dialogue has to continue andcontinue in the interest of not only India and Pakistan but in the interest ofthe destiny of the sub continent and world peace.

However, there are certain disturbing aspects. One of them was the degree ofunpreparedness with respect to the summit. Another disturbing aspect was that,our Government unnecessarily entangled with certain non-issues and raised thesenon-issues, the small irritants I must say, into major issues.

The invitation to the Hurriyat Conference for a cup of tea in the High Teaparty given by the Pakistan High Commissioner on the arrival of the PakistaniPresident ought to have been ignored. Our position with respect to Indo-Pakrelations and all issues related to Jammu and Kashmir was solid enough andcannot be upset by a cup of tea which the President may have with anybody in theworld.

Another unfortunate issue was the telecast of the breakfast meeting byGeneral Musharraf. Our media management was a total disaster. I must emphasiseon the Government that we have to adjust our diplomatic norms according to thestyle of functioning of Pakistan. I compliment the Government for the confidencebuilding measures unilaterally taken by them. We have shown our concern for theproblems of the people and for solving those problems.

In our endeavour to have better and better Indo-Pak relations, let us notforget one important point. I emphasise on the need to work out an acceptablepackage on the question of autonomy with our alienated people. Our talks withour people in Jammu and Kashmir must continue to find out a solution for peacethere.

Let the talks continue, meet on the sidelines of the U.N. security Council,on the sidelines of the SAARC Summit level meeting. The Prime Minister should goto Pakistan and have talks. But let us not have confusion. Let us build up onthe positive aspects, success will kiss your feet.