'Time Worn And Untenable Positions On Terrorism'

Question: Any reactions on Gen. Pervez Musharraf’s speech?

Nirupama Rao: Our reaction is that regrettably General Pervez Musharraf has in his comments today, reverted to time worn and untenable positions on terrorism. Comments about the Indian State of Jammu & Kashmir amount to interference in the internal affairs of India. We reject them outright. We had rather hoped that General Pervez Musharraf would utilize this opportunity to reaffirm his commitment to end cross border terrorism, also about not supporting terrorism in any form. His formulations, unfortunately, have reverted to yesterday’s clichés confirming the apprehensions voiced earlier by us.

Question: He made rather strong comments in his speech, any comments?

Nirupama Rao: I think, our reaction said it all and I do not need to elaborate on what we think of these issues but our statement encapsulates our position.

Question: State Terrorism at a time like this can be called inflammatory statement, any comments?

Nirupama Rao:Our statement expresses our position completely, we have listened to his speech, we have seen what has been said, we have heard what has been said and our position and our reaction has been given to you.

Question: He has also called for talks in his speech?

Nirupama Rao: Well, our position on that is well known. Obviously a climate has to be created that is conducive for the resumption of dialogue and we have seen absolutely no indication from Pakistan so far that suggests her willingness to provide such a conducive climate.

Question: President Musharraf has also said that Kashmir remains to be an issue of central importance, what would you say?

Nirupama Rao: Well, our position has been well stated in my reaction to you just now. Our position is very clear on this issue. The State of Jammu & Kashmir is an integral and inalienable part of India and will remain so and as far as dialogue with Pakistan is concerned India has been always been the initiator of such dialogue and it is Pakistan that through its policies on cross-border terrorism and its support for infiltration into Jammu & Kashmir that has caused the deterioration of the climate in relations between the two countries.

Question: Inaudible

Nirupama Rao:I would not like to go into further details as our statement has been read out to you and my reaction has been given to you and as we have said he has reverted to yesterday’s clichés. I think that is all.

Question: Does the speech raise questions about Pakistan’s sincerity?

Nirupama Rao:Well, obviously a question is raised on the commitment and sincerity about fighting terrorism wherever it occurs. It raises serious questions about that commitment and Pakistan’s so called sincerity.

India has always stressed the need for meaningful action from Pakistan and the need for Pakistan to walk the talk on such issues and that we have not seen happening. There has been no action on stopping cross-border terrorism, we have not seen an end to infiltration and we have seen no action on the list of 20 wanted fugitives & criminals and terrorists.

Question:He said bilateralism has not been worked out till now, is that correct?

Nirupama Rao:No, that is not our view. We have always stood by the well-considered position that it is only through bilateral dialogue on the basis of the understandings enshrined in the Simla agreement and the Lahore declaration that India and Pakistan should address the outstanding issues between them.

Question: Any further diplomatic steps or dialogue for future development?

Nirupama Rao:I think, I have stated our position clearly; we are awaiting the needful steps from Pakistan and we have not seen that happening. Dialogue obviously cannot resume in the absence of such meaningful action being taken in response to our demands.

Question:How long will it take?

Nirupama Rao: Until such action is taken and we make our assessment that such action is being taken by Pakistan.

Question: What is it that Pakistan is not taking any action?

Nirupama Rao: Well, you are asking me to speculate on all sorts of possibilities, I will not speculate on that.

Question: Would you say that you are disappointed by Mr. Musharraf’s speech of today?

Nirupama Rao:Yes, our statement is a reflection of that disappointment and the views expressed in that speech would indicate that Pakistan has basically reverted to well worn and untenable positions on these issues.

Question: Would you say that Pakistan has reverted to its earlier positions? Where do you say Indo-Pak relations are headed to?

Nirupama Rao: Well, as I said the statement made by Gen. Musharraf today is basically a reversion to clichés and positions expressed by Pakistan in the past and until and unless we see a change in approach and meaningful action by Pakistan, the establishment of a positive climate in relations for the resumption of dialogue on outstanding issues between the two countries becomes difficult.

Question: Two days back BSF Commandant in Jammu admitted that there is reduction of infiltration, what would you say on that?

Nirupama Rao: I don’t think we see any long-term trend. That is related to certain climate-induced factors. It does not indicate and it does not suggest any change in Pakistan’s position as yet.

Question: Ms. Rao, India had started taking an diplomatic offensive steps and after the 12th January speech they have stopped that, do you think after today’s speech…?

Nirupama Rao :Why do you say that we have stopped our diplomatic offensive? We have had delegations of Members of Parliament visiting various countries, we have had very high level visits to India and also our Ministers and Political leaders have been visiting other countries. We have been articulating our position in various world capitals and I think a number of countries are increasingly sensitized to Indian opinion on this issue.

Question: What I mean was any direct action against Pakistan?

Nirupama Rao: No, I think I have answered that very clearly. I think India’s position has been clearly and well stated as far as the rest of the world is concerned and we have reacted to the comments made, the speech made by Gen. Musharraf today and I think that should leave you in no doubt about where we stand on this issue.

Question: Inaudible?

Nirupama Rao:I am not going to make that kind of assessment at this time. We have already told you that in our opinion he has reverted to certain time worn and untenable positions on terrorism and that the comments on Jammu & Kashmir amount to interference in our internal affairs.

Question: So, Nirupama, in one sense you think that emotional ties and in the normal course on Kashmir solidarity day one would expect such heated rhetoric of this kind?

Nirupama Rao: No, Satinder, what I am saying is, what he has said today basically confirms the apprehensions that we have voiced earlier about Pakistan’s position on these issues.

Question: Do you think that Gen. Musharraf’s speech was for domestic consumption?

Nirupama Rao:All that is for you to decide. As far as we are concerned, those remarks amount to interference in our internal affairs.

Question:  MEA’s response has been to the comment of Gen. Musharraf. You had mentioned he had reverted to time worn position. Would you reevaluate the steps you have taken in regard to Pakistan on the basis of this speech?

Nirupama Rao: I think what his speech today has done is to enable us to reaffirm or to vindicate the position that we have taken, the apprehensions that we had expressed, as far as Pakistan’s commitment to fighting terrorism were concerned. We had expressed certain apprehensions and those apprehensions I believe are borne out by what he has said today.

Question: Yesterday Mr. Advani said that one of the Pakistani High Commission staff is involved in the Parliament attack, any comments?

Nirupama Rao: Mr. Advani, our Home Minister has said that, and I will not comment on what he had said. I am here today to react to the statements that Pakistan has made, on the statement made by the Hon’ble Home Minister of Government of India you cannot expect me to react to that.

Question: But the Government of India has not taken action against the person concerned?

Nirupama Rao:That is not for you and I to sit here and discuss. Those steps would be taken whenever considered necessary by the Government.