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Hurriyat unlikely to meet
Musharraf, says Qazi

This came a day after Musharraf rebuked fundamentalist clergy in the country for making "irresponsible" statements against India,

"Both sides are aware of each others' priorities and sensitivities... and by adopting a positive approach, we can avoid any problems of this kind," Qazi told Karan Thapar in the Talk Back programme for Doordarshan.

Qazi was asked whether a meeting between the Hurriyat and Musharraf was expected on the sidelines of the summit meeting.

"Both sides want it to be a successful visit," he said, adding that Islamabad was looking forward to "comprehensive, meaningful, result-oriented dialogue that addressed the concerns of both countries... and help relations move forward".

Qazi said dates for the visit and the duration of Musharraf's stay were yet to be firmed up. "The programme is yet to be drawn up and finalised," he said.

He indicated that Musharraf's delegation would comprise several ministers, who would have parleys with their Indian counterparts.

The Pakistan military leader is expected to call on President K R Narayanan and may meet political leaders and eminent persons, time permitting, he said.

Qazi said there was no formal agenda for the Vajpayee-Musharraf summit.

Stressing that one need not be "euphoric", expecting dramatic breakthroughs during the visit, he said one should be "realistically optimistic".

"The two countries are entering into a much more challenging, much more difficult, but potentially creative phase," he said.

Complimenting Musharraf for his remarks against Islamic fundamentalists for their anti-India tirade, former prime minister I K Gujral said this would help set the tone for talks.

On the Hurriyat pressing for a meeting with Musharraf, Gujral said, "When you go to somebody's home, you respect the sensitivities of the host".

Advising the media to be helpful and positive while reporting Indo-Pak developments, he said they should help build bridges between the two countries, and not destroy them.

Musharraf should be received with honour, respect and protocol which the government accords to any head of state, Gujral said, adding tongue in cheek that Indian service chiefs were unlikely to be absent while receiving Musharraf at the ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Pakistani service chiefs, including Musharraf, were conspicuous by their absence when Vajpayee stepped on Pakistani soil during his historic visit to Lahore.

Qazi clarified late at night that the interpretation of his remarks about the possibility of a meeting between the Hurriyat and Musharraf was "totally unwarranted."

"The High Commissioner made it clear that he would not be drawn into any controversy on any issue on which there may be different points of view between the two sides," a press release issued by Pakistan High Commission said.

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