New Delhi, September 8
Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf is expected to launch a diplomatic tirade against New Delhi over the Kashmir issue in the USA.
But surprisingly, Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee is likely to keep a low profile in the USA. Indications here are that Mr Vajpayee would pack all his Pakistan-centric arguments in his September 13 address before the United Nations’ General Assembly which will be a day after General Musharraf’s address.
There is not a single press conference or media interaction or press opportunity as far as Mr Vajpayee’s schedule in New York is concerned. Besides, Mr Vajpayee is also not scheduled to address any major US think tank or media group or give any interviews to the American media.
On the contrary, General Musharraf is likely to address the Asia Society in the USA, interact with leading American editors and address a press conference at the National Press Club there. Besides, General Musharraf is also expected to give a live interview to CNN.
Mr Vajpayee reaches New York on September 10 where he will attend the commemorative function to be organised by the Mayor of New York at Battery Park on September 11 in memory of those who lost their lives in the 9/11 incident. General Musharraf will also be present at the function.
The Prime Minister will join US President George W. Bush and world leaders in lighting candles at a memorial for the victims. He is also expected to meet some relatives of Indians who lost their lives in the attack. Some 220 persons of Indian origin, including 17 to 20 Indian passport holders, were believed to have been killed.
