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India, Pak should shed 'narrow' approaches: Vajpayee

K J M Varma Islamabad

Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee said Thursday evening that India and Pakistan should shed 'narrow and cliche-ridden' approaches and seek ways to take their entire relationship forward and address the 'core concerns' of the people of the two countries.

In an interview to Pakistan's official Associated Press of Pakistan news agency, the first ever to any Pakistan media organisation, Vajpayee said that India was prepared to explore jointly with Pakistan constructive ways to take the relationship forward.

Asked what prompted him to invite President Pervez Musharraf for talks, Vajpayee said India had extended the hand of friendship in the hope of lasting peace between the two countries.

He, however, denied that he extended the invitation under any external pressures.

About involving the All Parties Hurriyat Conference in talks on the Kashmir issue, Vajpayee said, "We have always indicated that we will hold dialogue with all groups and individuals in Jammu and Kashmir that abjure violence and are committed to peace. The APHC is not an exception."

Replying to a question on the UN Resolutions on Kashmir issue, he said India and Pakistan had a bilateral commitment which go well beyond the UN Charter.

Replying to a question on nuclear and missile build up by India, Vajpayee said New Delhi was sensitive to the need of maintaining appropriate defence preparedness.

"This is in response to certain developments in our security environment," he said.

The Prime Minister, however, said India's security policy had remained defensive in character and content.

On India's policy to use nuclear weapons, Vajpayee said India followed a no-first-use policy.

Asked whether situations like Kargil and Siachin arose because India had been reluctant to talk Kashmir with Pakistan, he said New Delhi had not avoided discussion on any issue.

To another question on why India was reluctant to go ahead with the gas-pipeline project with Iran through Pakistan, despite Islamabad's willingness to provide guarantees for the secure supply of gas to India, Vajpayee said, "Both sides will eventually identify a mode of transfer which is long-term, cost effective and secure."

PTI

Indo-Pak Summit 2001: The Complete Coverage

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