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Prime minister defends Advani on Kashmir

Prime Minister A B Vajpayee has defended his colleague L K Advani on the Kashmir issue, saying that the decision taken by one Cabinet minister has the approval and consent of all members of his Cabinet.

In an interview to a French daily, the prime minister was asked to comment on the recent government decision on giving charge of Kashmir affairs to Advani. ''In any case, the charge of Kashmir has been returned to the home ministry, as it is this ministry which deals with relations between the Centre and the states,'' the prime minister replied.

Asked whether India has concrete evidence of Pakistan sponsoring terrorism in Kashmir, Vajpayee said, ''The evidence is widely available and has been disseminated by the government and non-governmental agencies. It has been thoroughly documented in the media, both local and foreign.''

Asked about any proof of China supplying nuclear technology to Pakistan and giving them missiles, Vajpayee said the nexus between China and Pakistan in the nuclear and missile technology fields has been widely documented abroad. ''Our concern is that Pakistan's entire military build-up, including nuclear weapons and missiles is indo-centric. All weapons and missiles it has received are aimed at India.''

UNI

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