Krishna says terror to be focus of talks with Qureshi

New York, Sep. 25 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S M Krishna has said that terrorism will be the main focus during the talks with Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Sunday.

"My focus will be on terror related issues. Terror that visits us every now and again in the neighbourhood, which is a constant source of worry to India," he told reporters in New York.

"Inevitably, 26/11 will have to be discussed with Pakistan because of the attack on Mumbai emanated from Pakistani soil so hence we will have to address India's concern on that score.

I'm going to take a realistic stand, not too tough or soft but a factual stand," he added.

He expressed concern over the US tripling its financial aid to Pakistan, despite former Pakistan President Parvez Musharraf himself disclosing that US aid to fight terrorists were used to bolster defences against India in past.

"Considering the statement that has been issued by the former president of Pakistan Musharraf himself where he has said that the aid provided to Pakistan by the United States have been used for directing its hostile operations against India." he said.

"With respect to the aid that was given to Pakistan we have brought the attention of the government of the United States that India's concern is only that aid has to be appropriated for the purpose for which it is provided by the United States," Krishna added.

Earlier drafts of the bill had a precondition attached with it saying that Pakistan would not be a base for terrorist attacks against India, but now it has been replaced with a clause on cooperation with Pakistan's neighbours on war against terror. (ANI)