M A I N   N E W S

India against Saddam’s ouster

Patna, January 19
Accusing Pakistan of pursuing a “dual approach” towards terrorism, External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha today ruled out the possibility of a dialogue with Islamabad until it stopped promoting cross-border terrorism.

“It is extremely disconcerting and disturbing for us that Pakistan is continuing to promote cross-border terrorism. No talks for resolving outstanding issues can be held in this atmosphere of mistrust and animosity,’’ Mr Sinha told reporters here.

Accusing Pakistan of following a “dual approach” in tackling international terrorism, Mr Sinha charged it with backing terrorist activities in India despite being part of the international coalition against terrorism.

Being part of the international coalition against terrorism, Pakistan was committed to end the menace, but its commitment to the cause needed universal confirmation, Mr Sinha said.

“On the western side of its borders (Afghanistan), it is fighting terrorism alongside the world community, while on the east, it is promoting terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir,’’ he said, regretting the world community had not succeeded in applying brakes on Pakistan’s misdemeanour.

Asserting that India was capable of defending its frontiers, Mr Sinha said, “We will crush terrorism and militancy the way we did in Punjab.’’

Replying to a question on the future of SAARC, he put the onus on Pakistan for frequent postponement of its summit meetings.

Pakistan, by blocking initiatives for enhanced economic cooperation between SAARC member-countries, had become the greatest stumbling block, Mr Sinha said.

India was prepared for a free trade agreement with all SAARC countries for greater cooperation on the economic front, but Pakistan was not prepared for such a move, he added.

Asked about the problems in the way of withdrawing the Most Favoured Nation status to Pakistan, he said India had accorded MFN status to all members of the World Trade Organisation, but it was unfortunate that Pakistan had not reciprocated the gesture.

“Pakistan has blocked the import of 90 per cent of our goods. This is a situation where the basic purpose of SAARC is being defeated,’’ he said.

The minister also termed as rubbish Pakistan’s allegation that the recent test-fire of India’s missiles had led to an escalation of tension in the region.

Meanwhile, deprecating any unilateral military action against Iraq, India today strongly opposed removal of Saddam Hussein under any external pressure and advocated a peaceful resolution to the US-Iraq standoff under the UN charter.

“We strongly oppose any move by any country, however mighty it is, to remove any regime anywhere. It is no country’s responsibility and it is beyond any country’s authority to change any regime anywhere,” Mr Sinha told reporters here, replying to questions on the US military buildup for a possible strike on Iraq.

“If at all military action has to be taken against Iraq, it should be under the aegis of the UN and the USA or its other allies should desist from a direct attack on that country,” he said. PTI