May 31, 2002	Friday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 18,1423

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MOSCOW, May 30: Russia called on Pakistan on Thursday to “take the first step” in ending its standoff with India, saying that it supported the position of New Delhi on “cross-border attacks”.

“Pakistan must take the first step in calming the situation surrounding its relations with India,” Interfax quoted Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Losyukov as saying.

“The Russian side supports the position of India,” said the deputy foreign minister, referring to India’s demand for an end to “cross-border attacks”.

The Russian call came in the wake of President Vladimir Putin’s recent suggestion that President Gen Pervez Musharraf and Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee meet in Almatay to hold talks aimed at defusing tensions.—AFP