NEWSLINKS US EDITION SOUTH ASIA COLUMNISTS DIARY SPECIALS INTERVIEWS CAPITAL BUZZ REDIFF POLL THE STATES ELECTIONS ARCHIVES US ARCHIVES SEARCH REDIFF
Onkar Singh in New Delhi
Union Home Minister Lal Kishenchand Advani, who leaves for the United States on an official visit on Tuesday morning, said he would try to impress upon Washington the need for the world's two biggest democracies to co-operate more closely in fighting terrorism.
Advani told reporters after a 40-minute meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Shimon Peres of Israel that even though the SAARC summit had adopted a declaration against terrorism and all member countries had vowed to fight the menace, there had been no change in Pakistan's attitude on terrorism in Kashmir.
"I have been asked by the visiting dignitaries [Peres and Britain's Prime Minister Tony Blair] whether there will be a war between India and Pakistan," Advani said, "and they tell us to exercise restraint.
"My answer is that we have been fighting another kind of war for the last two decades -- a proxy war.
"[But] after the December 13 attack on Parliament, Prime Minister Vajpayee said that the time had come to fight a decisive war against terrorism. We have to decide whether we continue to deal with terrorism the way we have been doing or take steps to end it [once for all]."
The home minister described the steps taken by the Government of India after December 13 as correct and effective. "We have been taken diplomatic steps to put pressure on Pakistan," he pointed out. "We have been told by world leaders that Pakistan is taking steps to curb terrorism. If it happens, it would be good. But, unfortunately, there has been no change in Pakistan's attitude."
Advani said the fight was between civil society and those who oppose it. "I am going to the United States to ensure that the two big democracies of the world have closer cooperation in fighting terrorism," he said.
Back to top
Tell us what you think of this report
Call India
