Russia backs India on Kashmir

The Times of India

PTI[ THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2003 05:00:25 AM ]

MOSCOW : In a strong endorsement of India 's stand, Russia supported its demand that Pakistan implemented in full its assurances of preventing infiltration of terrorists across the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir and other points. A joint statement to be issued by the two countries at the end of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's three-day visit to Russia on Thursday is likely to deal specifically with the situation in South Asia and shows Moscow's support for Indian stand that an end to cross-border terrorism is a pre-requisite for a peaceful dialogue to resolve all outstanding issues in a bilateral framework.

The two sides are expected to emphasize the need for Pakistan to implement in full the assurances also on dismantling of terrorism infrastructure in territories controlled by it before the dialogue can resume.

Foreign Secretary Kanwal Sibal told reporters that "notwithstanding some speculation in the press from time to time and contacts between Russia and Pakistan , the outcome of the discussions between Vajpayee and Russian President Vladimir Putin shows that there is nothing in the Russian position which should be of concern to us."