Dismantling of terror camps in Pakistan key to normalising ties, Antony

KANNUR: Even though the defence secretary level talks between India and Pakistan are set to resume on Monday, defence minister AK Antony on Saturday asserted that dismantling of 42 terror camps in Pakistan was key to complete normalization of relations between the two countries.

Talking to reporters here after laying the foundation stone for the first ever Indian Coast Guard Academy (ICGA) near here the defence minister also made it clear that the India would not make compromises in anti-piracy operations even while making all out efforts for the safe release of the Indians held hostage by the pirates.

Antony said India was keen for dialogue with Pakistan. "The government would continue the dialogue with its neighbour. The scheduled resumption of talks between defence secretaries of both the countries in New Delhi on May 30 and 31 was to carry on the dialogue. But dismantling of the 42 terror camps in Pakistan was key to a permanent resolution of problems between the two countries."

Replying to a question he said Indian government had repeatedly brought to the notice of the US that a large chunk of weapons being provided by it to Pakistan to fight the insurgents in its bordering areas with Afghanistan were being used against India. "We are not satisfied with the responses of the US in this regard," Antony said.

The Minister also disclosed that defence exchange programme between the two countries would resume soon.

"We will do our best to protect and release the sailors held hostage by the pirates and the government of India is taking all efforts with the assistance of all agencies to ensure the safety of our sailors," the Minister said. But India could not afford to compromise its fight against piracy, which has become a major menace facing the safety of seamen and sea lanes. Nearly 95 per cent of the country's international trade was through the sea lanes, and the ongoing operation against the menace of piracy will continue without any compromise.