Offer of talks to Pakistan a conscious decision: Antony
By IANSThursday, February 11, 2010
NEW DELHI - The Indian government has taken a “conscious decision” to hold talks with Pakistan though it is not fully satisfied with the steps Islamabad had taken to control terror, Defence Minister A.K. Antony said here Thursday.
“We were watching the developments in Pakistan and felt we are not fully satisfied with the steps it had taken to control terrorism. At the same time, they had taken some action as per our wishes. Therefore, we took a conscious decision that it is better to start talks,” Antony told reporters on the sidelines of the Asian Security Conference.
Antony also noted that “all the 42 terrorist organisations across the border are intact and there is no attempt on the part of the government of Pakistan to dismantle them”.
Admitting to increased infiltration attempts into Jammu and Kashmir, Antony, however, added: “We can’t say who is behind this.”
India had suspended the composite dialogue in the wake of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks that it has blamed on elements operating from Pakistan.
It has now suggested two dates - Feb 18 or Feb 25 - for talks between the foreign secretaries of the countries, saying that while they would focus on countering terrorism, other matters of mutual concern could also be discussed.
