Our patience with terrorism has been exhausted. Since December 13 the steps that we have taken to deal withthe situation that confronts us have been measured, they have been gradual. No one in India takes thepossibility of war lightly. Similarly Pakistan should have no illusions about the fact that the state of Jammuand Kashmir is and will be an integral part of India. We remain committed to the path of dialogue. Pakistan'scontinued sponsorship of cross border terrorism is a clear indication to us that Pakistan is not yet preparedto engage in substantive and meaningful dialogue with India or to establish normal state to state relations.
Did Pakistan High Commissioner say anything to Foreign Secretary?
I don't think there was anything new in what he had to convey to us. You have seen the ventilation ofPakistan's opinion - and as is usual one sees this through the media - and these points were basically, allthat Pakistan has had to say on the subject.
When is he leaving Delhi?
He is leaving on Saturday.
There is a statement from the US that it still trusts in General Musharraf. What do you have to say aboutthat?
The basic point we have sought to make as far as the world community is concerned is that Pakistan has torealize that it cannot engage in cross border terrorism while claiming to be fighting terrorism vis-à-visAfghanistan and we hope that in the days to come, there will be a clear enunciation of this position by theworld community also.
But the fact is that the US is still trusting Musharraf…
I think you will have to read the full text. There is an obvious recognition I believe and that is shared byall sections of world opinion and by a number of countries including the United States that PresidentMusharraf of Pakistan has to do much more to tackle the issue, the scourge of cross border terrorism.
State Department's report on terrorism. Are you satisfied with the report?
As far as the tackling of the issue of terrorism is concerned the fact is that India has battled this scourgefor over 2 decades now. I think the world community, every section of the world community is fully cognizantof the efforts that we have made to fight terrorism, to root out the activities of the terrorist groups, andthe very legitimate struggle that we are waging against the forces of cross border terrorism. I think that isrecognized whether it is in South Asia or in the region or whether it is in the world at large.
You mentioned that India's patience with terrorism has been exhausted. What will be the next step?
Well, it has been exhausted… obviously we will not be able to tell you what the next step is. But obviouslythe efforts that we are continuing to make, to sensitize world opinion to our case have not been exhausted. Wewill continue to make those efforts.