rediff.com: Cabinet reshuffle this weekend: Vajpayee

Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee said in a chat on the Internet on Thursday that he was contemplating a reshuffle of his Cabinet this weekend and the changes might involve some economic ministries.

"I am thinking of reshuffling the Cabinet. Vacancies will be filled, some new faces will also be there. This weekend is the schedule for the reshuffle," Vajpayee said in the chat on India Today magazine's website.

Taking 27 questions in a chat that was longer than the scheduled 60 minutes, Vajpayee told participants that he was ready to hold talks with Pakistan.

Vajpayee said all parties in his National Democratic Alliance (NDA) coalition government may not be involved in the reshuffle.

"It may involve reshuffle of existing departments...it may involve some economic ministries as well," he said.

Vajpayee formed his government last October after mid-term general elections which returned a coalition led by his Bharatiya Janata Party to power. He expanded his Cabinet a month later.

To a question on relations with arch foe Pakistan, Vajpayee said he wanted to rekindle diplomatic talks between the two countries.

"We are prepared for talks. But for resumption of dialogue, Pakistan must put an end to cross-border terrorism, honour bilateral agreements like Shimla Agreement and the Lahore Declaration, and maintain the sanctity of the Line of Control."

Vajpayee said a near-six per cent growth in the gross domestic product (GDP), a modest inflation and low current account deficit augured well for the Indian economy.

On Sri Lanka, the Prime Minister rejected a military solution to the ethnic problem in the island-nation and said India favoured an early settlement of the dispute between the government and the Tamil guerrillas.

"We are in touch with the government in Sri Lanka and hope that they will move forward on a political package despite the current fighting. There can be no military solution to this problem," he said.

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