Author: HT Correspondent
Publication: The Hindustan Times
Date: January 14, 2002
Major political parties on Sunday
rejected Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf's suggestion for a third party
mediation to resolve the Kashmir issue.
At a meeting convened by Prime Minister
Atal Bihari Vajpayee at his residence on Sunday, leaders of different parties
said both the countries would have to engage in a peaceful dialogue and
that there was no role for any third party.
Lauding Musharraf for coming with
some "positive elements" they, however, cautioned the Government that resumption
of Indo-Pak dialogue should depend on "credible action on the ground".
Senior Congress leader Manmohan
Singh said that party president Sonia Gandhi has made it clear that there
was no change in Pakistan's position on Kashmir, and the party was not
in favour of any third party intervention as the Simla Agreement provided
enough framework for resolving all outstanding bilateral disputes.
Sonia said Musharraf's speech had
some 'positive elements' as he has promised firm action against terrorists
and stopping of cross-border terrorism.
"But the real proof of the pudding
is in the eating, as much will depend on how his intentions are translated
into action," Singh said.
Asked about Musharraf's offer for
talks, Singh said there should be credible action on the ground.
BJP MP Vijay Kumar Malhotra said
several parties objected to Musharraf's refusal to hand over the 20 terrorists
wanted by India. He said the country should remain cautious till Musharraf's
statements were translated into deeds.
The meeting was attended among others
by CPM leader Harkishan Singh Surjeet, CPI leader D. Raja, Trinamool Congress
MP Sudip Bandyopadhayay, BSP vice-president Mayawati and RJD leader Raghuvansh
Prasad Singh.
Describing Musharraf's speech as
"positive", Surjeet said, he has accepted most of the things we have been
demanding. However, he said the party did not favour any third party intervention
to resolve bilateral issues.
On Musharraf's offer for resumption
of talks, he hoped that the talks would continue.
CPI national secretary D Raja said
his party had taken a "positive note" of Musharraf's speech. "As far as
religious extremism and terrorism are concerned, Musharraf's statements
are quite positive," he said.
He said both countries would have
to engage in a meaningful dialogue and there was no question of any third
party mediation in the Kashmir issue.
Referring to Musharraf's talks offer,
he said there was slight change in the situation as the atmosphere was
becoming somewhat conducive.
