NEW DELHI, March 12: Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee on Tuesday ruled out resumption of dialogue with Pakistan “till Islamabad stops cross-border terrorism.”
“There is no basis for resumption of talks till cross-border terrorism stops,” Mr Vajpayee told a meeting of Arya Samaj leaders at his residence.
He praised the recent visit of Information Minister Sushma Swaraj to Islamabad, and said: “She represented India’s point of view very forcefully and effectively”.
The prime minister said Pakistan which had been “trying to isolate India was now finding itself isolated”, according to Star News.
Terrorism had replaced Kashmir as a topic of discussion at international fora, he said. “Every time terrorism is taken up for discussion in the world community, and Pakistan finds itself in a dock,” he added.
By contrast India was now enjoying the support of the world, the prime minister was quoted as saying.
Mr Vajpayee said New Delhi wanted friendly ties with Pakistan, but what was needed was creation of conducive atmosphere to resume talks.—JN
