Wagah (Amritsar), July 15
Describing cross-border terrorism as an issue, Mr Shivshankar Menon, India’s High Commissioner-Designate to Pakistan, crossed over to Pakistan through Wagah joint check post here at noon today. He said his primary task was to create a conducive atmosphere for bilateral dialogue and to accelerate the pace of normalcy between the two countries.

Mr Menon said the Prime Minister, Mr Atal Bihari Vajpayee, had already extended a hand of friendship to bring thaw in the relationship with Pakistan and he was looking forward to strengthening the ties after taking over his new assignment.

Mr Menon, who recently relinquished his charge as Ambassador to China, would present his credentials to the Pakistan President, Gen Pervez Musharraf, towards the month-end.

The Deputy High Commissioner of India to Pakistan, Mr T.C.A. Raghvan, specially came from Islamabad to receive him at the joint check post.

When asked about the measures that he would take for the acceleration of the peace process between the two nuclear powers, Mr Menon said he would be able to reply to such questions after he took over. He said people-to-people talk had already begun with the resumption of the Lahore-Delhi bus service and visits of business and parliamentary delegations from either side.