M A I N   N E W S

Don’t mislead China: Pak

Islamabad, June 23
Appearing concerned over the likely impact of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s current visit to Beijing, Pakistan today accused the Indian leadership of attempting to “mislead” China with “chants of cross-border terrorism” and expressed hope that China would persuade New Delhi to start talks with Islamabad.

Referring to Mr Vajpayee’s comments of cross-border terrorism before he left for Beijing yesterday, Pakistan Foreign office spokesman Masood Khan told reporters here that India should stop making allegations and settle for talks to discuss all outstanding issues.

“This chant of cross-border infiltration should come to an end because India and Pakistan should try to engage each other and discuss all outstanding issues on a negotiating table ,” he said.

Asked whether China would get influenced by Mr Vajpayee’s visit, Mr Khan said: “China’s influence in South Asia is stabilising. Their engagement with Pakistan has been positive. Instead Mr Vajpayee and the Indian leadership are trying to mislead Beijing, we hope that Beijing would persuade India to come to the negotiating table.”

He said Pakistan was happy with the statement made by Chinese Prime Minister to the India calling for a solution to the Kashmir issue.

Mr Khan also regretted that India blocked Pakistan’s entry into ASEAN. He termed it “very unfortunate” and urged it to reconsider its “paranoia” about Pakistan.

BANGKOK: Pakistan’s Foreign Minister said on Monday that his country was committed to friendship with nuclear rival India, and wanted to start peace talks as soon as possible despite bellicose statements from both sides. — PTI, AP