Don’t wait for normalcy, let’s talk -- Musharraf

Don’t wait for normalcy, let’s talk -- Musharraf
PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

Islamabad, January 15: Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan Vijay Nambiar today held a significant meeting with military ruler General Pervez Musharraf amidst stepped up activities on the Kashmir front and is understood to have made it clear that resumption of talks between two countries was not possible without an end to cross-border terrorism. The meeting, described as a courtesy call, was the first since Nambiar took up his assignment last August.

The meeting, sources said, was a ``free and frank'' exchange of views on the ``stated positions'' of the two countries on various issues including resumption of bilateral talks. Sources said neither Nambiar nor Musharraf referred to the speculation in the press about the General's plans to visit New Delhi. The proposed mission of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference to Islamabad was also not discussion.

Sources said, Musharraf was told that a comprehensive dialogue between the two sides was not possible when militants went about creating carnage both in and outside Kashmir.

The high commissioner, in his presentation, also made specific references to the recent attack on the army camp in the Red Fort and Lashkar-e-toiba'sthreat to attack Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee.

Musharraf expressed regret over the reported threats made by Lashkar to attack the offices of the prime minister. However, he chose to remain silent when Nambiar conveyed that India would like Pakistan to rein in the militant outfits, sources said.

Musharraf, who gave a patient hearing to Nambiar, however, reiterated Pakistan's stand that talks between the two countries should begin before restoration of normalcy. He also referred to ``substantial'' drop in the levels of tension in the recent weeks following steps taken by Pakistan.