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| 05 September 2004 | Sunday | 19 Rajab 1425 |
New Delhi hopes for success of dialogue: Singh wants end to violence
NEW DELHI, Sept 4: Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said on Saturday that his approach to talks with Pakistan was infused with realism and that he was full of hope for a 'positive outcome' although it might take time.
"It is not in my nature to promise a false dawn but I do believe in the ancient saying that a road is made by walking, step-by-step," Dr Singh told a news conference, the first such formal interaction with the media in 10 years by an Indian premier.
"Vis-a-vis Pakistan, we have consistently declared our commitment to the peace process and to carrying forward the dialogue process. Our approach to talks will be based on realism and the belief that the people of South Asia are bound together by a shared destiny," Dr Singh said.
He said the United Progressive Alliance government, which is only 100 days old, had achieved a lot in promoting India-Pakistan ties.
"In this short time we have gone through the exercise listed in the composite dialogue. What we have achieved in this is not insignificant. It is our intention to carry on the dialogue with feeling of confidence and hope that dialogue process can be a success."
He said everyone had to understand that "we are dealing with complicated issues that have defied solutions for many, many years."
The security situation in the country has been a cause for concern for some time now. But while his government was committed to dealing effectively with internal security challenges, it would, however, do so in a humane and compassionate manner and in keeping with democratic traditions.
"We will not compromise with militancy and violence, but we are ready to talk to any and all disaffected groups, whether in Jammu and Kashmir, in the northeastern states, or elsewhere. We are not laying down any pre-conditions, but expect that those who resort to militancy should eschew the path of violence, and stop the killing of innocent citizens. I will be visiting Jammu and Kashmir shortly," the prime minister said.
He allayed fears of his government running into any fatal crisis. "Let me tell you, we will complete our five-year term," he declared.
"Our government is alive to the sentiments and concerns of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and the northeast and will do the utmost to guarantee a life of dignity and self-respect of every citizen. We will take measures to accelerate the tempo of development," Dr Singh said.
India was committed to engage all Kashmiri groups into a constructive dialogue. "I sincerely hope that all elements, including the Hurriyat, will take advantage of this," he said.
About Sunday's talks between the two foreign ministers, he said India would discuss all issues affecting bilateral ties with Pakistan, including Kashmir. "We are not afraid of discussing Jammu and Kashmir. But we do not buy the argument that is the only issue affecting relations between our countries."
Dr Singh said now that India was a nuclear weapon state, its doctrine would be of 'no-first strike'. There was no question of India signing the NPT. "Nobody has asked us to sign NPT. This is no longer a live issue as far as I know," he said.
Talking about his proposed meeting with President Pervez Musharraf in New York later this month, he said: "My agenda is to normalize and expand our multifaceted relationship, and to ensure that the two of us can work together to carry forward the peace process and the dialogue which, in the years ahead, can yield constructive results."
He declined to give details of his planned discussions with Gen Musharraf, but said it would be a good opportunity for both to get to know each other.
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