Pak still far away from its promises: BJP

New Delhi, Feb 5: The BJP today impressed upon the UPA Government, particularly Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, to tell Pakistan steadfastly to convert its ''promises into deeds'' and stop abetment to cross border terrorism.

"Pakistan is still far away to keep its promises made in the January 6,2004 Joint Statement of the two countries and other promises it has been making from time to time,'' BJP Vice- President and former External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha said.

Mr Sinha expressed surprise at the manner Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee had praised and reacted positively to the statement of Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf last week that "the terrorists cannot be taken on board." "I will like to remind that Pakistan observes February 5 as Kashmir Solidarity Day and President Musharraf's statement can only be believed if Pakistan had demonstrated its commitment to promises in deeds," he said.

The Government should not forget that Pakistan had reacted ''negatively'' when Mr Mukherjee had gone there to invite President Musharraf for the forthcoming SAARC meeting in New Delhi, he reminded.

Now that Pakistan Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz was coming to India in connection with SAARC, India should tell steadfastly that Pakistan must stop cross border terrorism before any constructive dialogues were held between the two countries on bilateral issues, he added.

UNI