Ms. Nirupama Rao: Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to this afternoon's Press Conference with the honourableMinister of External Affairs, Shri Jaswant Singh. The Minister will make a statement and thereafter, he willtake your questions.
As we have stated before, please identify yourself while asking your question and mention the organizationwhich you belong to.
Shri Jaswant Singh: Thank you ladies and gentlemen of the press.His Excellency Gen. Pervez Musharraf'stelevision address of May 27 is both disappointing and dangerous. Disappointing, as it merely repeats someearlier assurances which remain unfulfilled till today, and dangerous because through belligerent posturingtension has been added to, not reduced. Evading altogether the central issue of Pakistan's promotion ofterrorism, the General, unfortunately engaged instead in an offensive and tasteless revilement of India. Agreat pity this, for it contradicts his expressed desire for peace and mocks the expectations of most of theinternational community by flouting current international commitments against terrorism. Gen. Musharraf hasdisappointingly spelt out no measures for stopping this lethal export of terrorism from Pakistan. Mere verbaldenials, about the Line of Control are untenable, for they run against facts on the ground.
Let the world recognize that today the epicentre of international terrorism is located in Pakistan. Terroriststargeting not just India but other countries too, receive support from state structures within Pakistan. Thecurrent war against terrorism will not be won decisively until their base camps inside Pakistan are closedpermanently.
Gen. Musharraf has nevertheless voiced a desire for peace. It is in his hands to attain it. Let him simplyfulfill the assurances that he has himself given all these months. India will reciprocate.
In the meantime the Government of India will continue to take such measures as are necessary.
Mr. Vijay Naik, Sakal Papers:You have described the statement of Mr. Musharraf as dangerous and disappointing. In the light of what youhave said, do you see a possibility of a nuclear conflict between India and Pakistan? I say this becauseeverybody today is talking of not only conflict but a nuclear conflict also.