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Talks only after Pak pulls out, India tells Lanpher

India today made it clear that a "composite dialogue" with Pakistan is possible only if Islamabad takes immediate steps to withdraw its armed intruders from "our side of the Line of Control and ensure that such violations do not recur in future".

"Once the armed intruders are withdrawn, it is possible to take steps for the resumption of the composite dialogue that responds to the wishes of the people of both India and Pakistan to live in peace and amity," the official spokesman for the external affairs ministry said.

Giving details about American Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Gibson Lanpher's discussions with Indian officials, he said he "briefed us about the discussions held by him and US commander-in-chief of the central command Anthony Zinni with the Pakistani leaders".

Lanpher also exchanged views with Brajesh Mishra, national security adviser.

The American envoy held a 150-minute discussion with Aloke Prasad, joint secretary (US-Canada), and Vivek Katju, during which he apprised them of his discussion with Pakistani officials on de-escalation of the tension on the loc.

Lanpher told reporters after the meeting that he did not discuss with the Indian side any proposal to provide safe passage to the infiltrators to end the month-long crisis.

He said his primary aim in visiting India was to brief Indian officials about the Pakistani perception of this issue.

The Indian spokesman said it is imperative for Pakistan to heed the advice of the international community and withdraw the intruders immediately from the Drass and Kargil sectors.

He said India accepted with appreciation the US offer to brief it about the discussions held by the senior American military delegation with the Pakistani leadership. Pursuant to this understanding, Lanpher held talks with officials of the external affairs ministry.

The spokesman dismissed a reporter's observation that allowing Pakistan to withdraw from the occupied areas would amount to giving them a concession. "It is important for Pakistan to vacate occupied areas. It is not a concession," he said.

He described Lanpher's 45-minute meeting with Brajesh Mishra as "very significant".

Lanpher had accompanied Gen Zinni to Islamabad to try and persuade the Pakistani leaders to withdraw the infiltrators.

UNI

EARLIER REPORTS:
Lanpher likely to suggest face-saving formula for Pakistan
No unilateral withdrawal from Kargil, says General Musharraf

The Kargil Crisis

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