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Parties react cautiously on summit failure

National Democratic Alliance partners Samata Party and Janata Dal (United) on Monday night reacted cautiously on India and Pakistan failing to reach an agreement during the Vajpayee-Musharraf summit at Agra.

Samata Party spokesman Shambu Srivastava said that though the party did not expect any dramatic result, such talks would facilitate process of re-engagement between the two countries, particularly in the aftermath of Kargil conflict.

It was a welcome first step, he said. Commenting on the outcome of the summit, JD (U) spokesman Mohan Parkash said, "the ice has been broken and it is at our (India's) initiative."

Rashtriya Janata Dal President Laloo Prasad Yadav said in Patna that the summit had raised 'bitterness' between the two countries.

Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee should have consulted all political parties much before inviting Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf for the summit, Yadav said.

"It was something which was expected. The issues to be raised at the summit should have been thoroughly discussed," he added.

The main opposition Congress declined to comment saying it would like to wait for the final declaration.

"We will like to go through the draft declaration and then give our considered response," party spokesman Anand Sharma said.

PTI

Indo-Pak Summit 2001: The Complete Coverage

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