M A I N   N E W S

India victim of terror: Denmark
Smita Prakash

Copenhagen, October 11
In what appeared to be a damage- control exercise after yesterday’s volte-face by raising the issue of Pakistan, Danish premier Anders Fogh Rasmussen on today told a press conference, held jointly with Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, that India was a victim of cross- border terrorism and infiltration but talks between New Delhi and the people of Jammu and Kashmir remained vital for peace.

He welcomed the results of the elections in the state but also stated that India should begin a process of de-escalation of tension to facilitate negotiations.

Asked what dialogue could be held with the Kashmiris now that the electorate had given a clear-cut verdict and spoken its mind, Mr Rasmussen was clearly not forthcoming and fumbled as he answered that discussions were important, especially with “all stakeholders of democratic value.”

Mr Vajpayee when asked if he was under any pressure to have talks with Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf, replied that the onus was on the latter and wanted Denmark to apply more pressure on the General for the purpose. In this connection, Mr Rasmussen observed that he had spoken to the Pakistani President a week ago and reiterated that cross-border terrorism and infiltration were clearly not acceptable.

It was quite understandable, the Danish premier further said, that people did not feel comfortable with the idea of a dialogue, with cross-border terrorism and infiltration continuing unabated. Nevertheless, the terrorists must not be allowed the right to veto a dialogue and Pakistan has to make stronger efforts to pave the say for talks, he added.

Meanwhile, about 50 persons waving Pakistani flags staged an anti-India demonstration outside the venue of the press conference.

Mr Vajpayee said the two sides discussed ways to enhance trade and investment. They identified several potential areas for cooperation, including information technology, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, food processing and non-conventional energy sources.

Observing that relations between India and Denmark were friendly and warm, the Prime Minister said he held “constructive” discussions with Mr Rasmuseen on bilateral, regional and international issues.

During talks, Mr Vajpayee said Indian exports faced all kind of non-tariff barriers. He also saw no justification in India being subjected to anti-dumping trade protection measure within the textile quota. ANI, PTI

PM in London to hold talks

London, October 11
Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee arrived here tonight for talks with his British counterpart Tony Blair centering around the issues of terrorism, elections in Jammu and Kashmir, Indo-Pak stand-off and the Iraq crisis.

While the leaders are likely to review bilateral, regional and global situation, the elections in Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan will figure prominently in the discussions besides India’s growing concern about the continued support for militants in Kashmir from across the border.

Mr Blair is also likely to impress upon Mr Vajpayee the need to finalise a deal on the one billion pound Advanced Jet Trainer (Hawk) for the Indian Air Force. While India has made it clear that it will go by the UN decision on the Iraq issue, Mr Blair is likely to throw more light on the latest situation.

India has expressed unhappiness about Britain’s reference in its recently published dossier to an Indian private company for providing certain missile components to Iraq via a third country.

Mr Vajpayee was accompanied by External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha. PTI