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Musharraf cures South Block's protocol headache

Tara Shankar Sahay in New Delhi

South Block's protocol headache for Pakistan Chief Executive Pervez Musharraf's impending visit to India was cured on Wednesday when the general took the oath of office as his country's president, replacing Mohammed Rafiq Tarar.

The government has now decided to accord General Musharraf a warm, ceremonial welcome as head of state.

External affairs ministry sources admitted that the government was earlier "a little confused" on the grade of protocol to be extended to General Musharraf.

Now, however, he will be entitled to a 21-gun salute and will be treated to a banquet at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

The sources, however, were unsure whether President K R Narayanan would personally receive Musharraf at the airport. They pointed out that even United States President Bill Clinton was received by External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh at the airport.

External affairs ministry spokeswoman Nirupama Rao also did not know whether Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee would formally congratulate Gen Musharraf on assuming the office of president.

Government officials were also tight-lipped on the kind of security arrangements being put in place for the president of Pakistan.

Home ministry officials said no efforts would be spared. "Even mediapersons, including television journalists and cameramen, will be kept well beyond arm's length," they promised.

The historic city of Agra, where the summit will be held, is poised to get a facelift. But officials refused to let on as to where Musharraf would stay in Agra or the venue for the talks.

Indo-Pak Summit 2001: The Complete Coverage

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