'Still Awaiting Action From Pakistan'

Question: Today’s demarche was on the entire list of 20?

Nirupama Rao: : Yes, the entire list of 20.

Question: Was there any response from Pakistan?

Nirupama Rao: : The Deputy High Commissioner said that he would convey our demarche to his Government.

Question: Was this a third demarche?

Nirupama Rao: : Yes.

Question:  Is the UNSC resolution 1373 applicable to such demarche?

Nirupama Rao: : Yes, because as you know 1373 is a resolution which is enforceable under Chapter VII and is mandatory for all member governments of the United Nations to take note, to take cognizance, to take action corresponding to what is stated in that resolution.

Question: You also have drawn the attention of the UAE Government’s example. But with UAE you have an extradition treaty whereas with Pakistan you have no such treaty?

Nirupama Rao: : No, Maya you have missed the point. With the UAE they were deported which is the sovereign right of any Government to be able to deport certain persons who are known to be criminals and fugitives. In fact I would also bring out in this connection that the authorities in Dubai took action on the basis of the information that has been provided by the Government of India in this case and they deported Aftab Ansari as an undesirable alien without insisting on going through the procedures of extradition. That is what we drew Pakistan’s attention to today in the meeting with the Pakistan Deputy High Commissioner.

Question:There are other fugitives and criminals in UAE like Anees Ibrahim, Dawood Ibrahim and Abu Salim against whom the Government of UAE have not taken any action. But this time they have deported small fry AftabAnsari.

Nirupama Rao: : Well that is your own definition, whatever you call it, but I would only like to say that this is an excellent example of coordination and cooperation between two sovereign governments in dealing with the scourge of terrorism, in dealing with the apprehension of fugitives from the law and our cooperation and dialogue with the Government of UAE continue in regard to other cases that we have an interest in and on which we seek cooperation is continuing.

Question:  Pakistan’s allegation that India was involved in the Pearl Kidnapping case. Did this come up in today’s meeting?

Nirupama Rao: : No. Not to the best of my knowledge. But as you know we have rejected those allegations in entirety.

Question:  What step would follow after this demarche?

Nirupama Rao: : Well, action by Pakistan, we hope. We are still awaiting action from Pakistan. We expect Pakistan to take action on the basis of what information we have provided to them. I think we have provided them with enough, with the case histories of these individuals, these fugitives and in the light of our experience with the Government of the UAE it shows that there are really no obstacles that lie in the way of Pakistan to cooperate with us on this case, on the cases of these 20. Unfortunately that cooperation has not been forthcoming.

Question:  Aftab Ansari had a valid Pakistani passport? Any protest had been lodged?

Nirupama Rao: : Well, it is absolutely clear that this is yet another instance which proves in a conclusive way what India has been saying all along about Pakistani complicity and support for individuals and organizations and groups that have made it their sole agenda to indulge in terrorist and anti-India activity.