May 28, 2003	Wednesday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 25,1424

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NEW DELHI, May 27: Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee on Tuesday expressed confidence regarding creation of a conducive atmosphere for talks with Pakistan, but reiterated the need for an end to what he called “cross-border infiltration” before holding of a “meaningful dialogue.”

“Some steps have already been taken and more will be taken. We are confident that an atmosphere will be created for the talks to begin,” Vajpayee told reporters before leaving for a week-long tour of Germany, Russia and France.

Vajpayee was referring to New Delhi’s Monday announcement about resumption of a bus service between Lahore and New Delhi as part of a peace initiative between the two countries.

The government also said it would release 70 Pakistani fishermen and 60 civilian prisoners from Indian custody.

When asked how soon talks could begin, Vajpayee said: “We want it to be as soon as possible. But for a meaningful dialogue to begin, cross-border terrorism should end and the terrorism infrastructure dismantled.”—AFP