Condemns terror emanating from Pakistan, in speech at the UN.
By Sujeet Rajan
UNITED NATIONS: Even as the Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is set to meet the Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif tomorrow here in New York, he made it clear in his speech at the United Nations that India will never compromise on the issue of Kashmir, that it remains an integral part of India, and that for bilateral relations between the two countries to progress, terror emanating from Pakistan has to come to an end.
In a strong speech today that set the tone for tomorrow’s meet with Sharif, Singh said that he was looking forward to meet his counterpart.
“India is committed sincerely to resolving all issues with Pakistan, including the issue of Jammu and Kashmir, through bilateral dialogue on the basis of the Shimla Agreement. However, for progress to be made, it is imperative that the territory of Pakistan and the areas under its control are not utilized for aiding and abetting terrorism directed against India,” said Singh. “It is equally important that the terrorist machinery that draws its sustenance from Pakistan be shut down. There must be a clear understanding of the fact Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and that there can never, ever, be a compromise with the unity and territorial integrity of India.”
Singh said that “terrorism remains a grave threat to security and stability everywhere and extracts a heavy toll of innocent lives around the world. From Africa to Asia, we have seen several manifestations of this menace in the last few days alone. State-sponsored cross-border terrorism is of particular concern to India, also on account of the fact that the epicenter of terrorism in our region is located in our neighborhood in Pakistan.”
Singh also broached briefly the likely transition in Afghanistan, an issue India is concerned about, as it fears that terror attacks could emanate from there.
“The international community must support the people of Afghanistan through this transition and beyond in combating terrorism, preserving the progress of the past decade and creating a stable, united and prosperous Afghanistan,” he said.
On other issues, Singh said that India is encouraged that direct talks have resumed between Israel and Palestine.
“India supports an early realization of a sovereign, independent, viable and united State of Palestine, with East Jerusalem as its capital, living within secure and recognized borders side-by-side and at peace with Israel. We also remain committed to the Palestinian quest for full membership of the UN,” said Singh.
He also voiced concern about the more than a billion people living in abject poverty around the world, an issue he said “need to be attacked more directly.”
He added: “Poverty remains a major political and economic challenge and its eradication requires special attention and a new collective thrust. This priority should anchor the post-2015 Development Agenda, which should be shaped by the member states so that it enjoys the broadest possible support and acceptance.”
To contact the author, email to sujeetrajan@americanbazaaronline.com