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Vajpayee satisfied with Commonwealth's stand on Pakistan

Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee today said that India had not taken a ''very strident stand'' on suspension of Pakistan from the council of Commonwealth.

Talking to newspersons after holding extensive talks with Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, Vajpayee said that other member nations of the 54 member grouping were equally in favour of action against Pakistan.

While expressing satisfaction at the Commonwealth's stand on Pakistan, he said it was in the interest of Pakistan to restore democracy as it cannot remain isolated. The restoration of democracy is in the interest of Pakistan and the south asian region.

The international pressure will force the military regime to move towards democracy, he said.

Vajpayee termed his talks with Sheikh Hasina as ''very fruitful and useful.''

Vajpayee later left for George Island along with other leaders of the Commonwealth.

UNI

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