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Josy Joseph in Kathmandu
There is a speculation in Kathmandu that Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf deliberately delayed his flight to send a message to India and to avoid meeting Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee during the one-day retreat on the sidelines of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation summit.
The SAARC summit -- slated to begin on Friday afternoon -- would now open on Saturday morning. The retreat, slated for Saturday at Nagarkot, has been cancelled.
Indian and Nepali officials said the state banquet hosted by King Gyanendra would take place as scheduled.
External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh on Thursday launched an unexpected offensive by releasing the evidence against terrorists that India had given to Pakistan.
In reply to a question about Pakistan's demand for proof, Singh released the two-page document.
Indian decision to launch a fresh diplomatic offensive at the SAARC venue is being privately criticised by Pakistani officials. They believe it has taken the steam out of the summit.
Related stories: SAARC summit inauguration postponed till Saturday Musharraf expected to set the tone at SAARC summit Talks key to resolving bilateral issues: Musharraf
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