Pak using terror as state policy hindrance in normalisation of relations: PM

Pittsburgh, Sep 26 (ANI): Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh bluntly asked Pakistan to give use of terror as an instrument of state policy in order to normalise relations with India.

Dr. Singh was speaking to reporters on Friday after addressing the plenary session of G-20 summit here.

Earlier in the day at UN General Assembly, Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari said that Pakistan wants peaceful relations with India, and urged resolution of the Kashmir issue, as it is the key to peace in the region.

"Well India's message is India seeks to normalise its relation with Pakistan, the only obstacle is that Pakistan should give up its old attitude regarding the use of terror as an instrument of state policy," Dr. Singh told reporters.

"We hope that the materials that we have supplied to Pakistan regarding the massacres that took place in Mumbai in November to carry out investigations, after all although the tragedy took place in India,' he said.

"The conspiracy has been hatched by Pakistan and that has been admitted by the Pakistani Government. We sincerely hope they carry forward the investigation and bring to book perpetrators of the Mumbai attacks," Dr. Singh added.

Replying to question, the Prime Minister said that the UN Security Council resolution asking all non-NPT signatories to join the treaty is not targeted against India and US has assured of full commitment in carrying out the civil nuclear deal.

Dr. Singh said: "We have been assured that this is not a resolution directed at India and that the US commitment to carry out its obligations under the civil nuclear agreements that we have signed with United States remains undiluted, that we have been assured officially by the United States government."

Commenting on affects of global financial meltdown on India, Dr. Singh said: "There is no economic crisis in India. It is true that in sequel to global economic crisis our exports have suffered, but we will maintain a healthy growth."

Dr. Singh while speaking at the G-20 summit, earlier, reiterated that despite drought India expects to grow around 6.3 percent in 2009-10 and then recover to 7 to 7.5 percent growth next year

"Despite a drought, which will affect agricultural production, we expect to grow by around 6.3 percent in 2009-10," Dr. Singh said. (ANI)