September 13, 2003	Saturday	Rajab 15, 1424

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ISLAMABAD, Sept 12: Pakistan on Friday expressed surprise at the reported remarks by US Assistant Secretary of State Christina Rocca she made in New Delhi on cross-border infiltration, and firmly stated that there was no terrorism emanating from its soil.

It instead asked the United States to persuade India to end its repression in the occupied Kashmir and stop dragging its feet on resumption of dialogue with Islamabad.

“Pakistan is in the forefront of the war on terrorism,” a foreign office spokesman said and recalled that in a telephone conversation with President Pervez Musharraf a few days ago, his US counterpart commended Pakistan’s role in this regard.

The FO spokesman said that for decades, and especially after 9/11, Pakistan has been suffering from the blowback from Afghanistan.

“In its own interest, Pakistan is determined to fight terrorism in all its forms and manifestations,” he emphasized.

He also dismissed allegations of cross-border infiltration. “There is no cross-border infiltration along the LoC. Pakistan is not backing any cross-border movement,” he added.

The spokesman recalled that President Musharraf had offered cease-fire along the LoC and suggested ways to address violence in Kashmir but India rejected these proposals.—APP