PM asks Pak to address issue of terrorism

New Delhi, Aug 15 (UNI) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today urged Pakistan that if the issue of terrorism was not addressed, the intention to allow the people of both the countries to live in peace and harmony would be negated.

''If this issue of terrorism is not addressed, all the good intentions that we have for our two peoples to live in peace and harmony will be negated. We will not be able to pursue the peace initiatives we want to take,'' he said in his address to the nation from the ramparts of the historic Red Fort here on the occasion of the 62nd Independence Day.

He said the recent blasts in Indian Embassy in Kabul had cast a shadow over the efforts to normalise relations with Pakistan and to bring a lasting and honourable peace in South Asia.

''The terrorists and those who support them are enemies of the people of India and Pakistan, of friendship between the two countries and of peace in the region and the world. We must defeat them,'' he said.

Dr Singh said the goal of India in South Asia was to seek a peaceful, stable and prosperous neighbourhood.

Pointing out that India was today viewed with respect as one of the world's fastest growing economies, Dr Singh said the world today expected India to regain its due place in the comity of nations.

''This is a moment of opportunity for us,'' he said.

Dr Singh, in this context, sought a greater unity of purpose between various political parties, between different communities, between all sections of society, rich and poor.

''We have to manage our natural and financial resources more prudently. We have an obligation to our future generations. We cannot think only for ourselves. We cannot think only about survival from day to day, from year to year and from one election to another.

We have to think about the welfare and well-being of our children and grandchildren, their grandchildren and future generations.

''If we resolve to work together as a nation, and work hard and with commitment to the welfare of all our people, there is nothing that we cannot do,'' he said.

''Let us resolve today to stand together, to strengthen the unity and integrity of our country and to stand firm in our determination to build a new India of our dreams,'' Dr Singh said in his fifth consecutive address to the nation after becoming Prime Minister in May 2004.

UNI SH PK HS0832