Indian PM Wants 'Normalized' Relations with Pakistan
By VOA News
14 December 2008
Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh says he wants what he calls "normalized" relations with Pakistan - in spite of rising tensions between the two countries.
Mr. Singh made the statement Sunday during an election rally in Indian Kashmir.
Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Gordan Brown has pledged nine million dollars to Pakistan to help fight causes of terrorism and support democracy.
Mr. Brown visited Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari in Islamabad today after meeting with Mr. Singh in New Delhi this morning.
An unnamed British government source says British police may ask Indian officials for permission to question the lone surviving gunman from the Mumbai attack that killed 171 people, including at least one British national.
The source also said British police may wish to interview militants held in Pakistan who are suspected in last month's attack.
Mr. Brown said he backs India's claims that the Pakistani-based terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba is responsible for the Mumbai attacks. He said he will tell Mr. Zardari that Pakistan must root out these terrorists.
Earlier Sunday, Indian air force officials denied allegations by Pakistani officials that Indian fighter planes "inadvertently" violated Pakistan's airspace.
A Pakistani air force spokesman said one violation took place on Saturday over the Pakistan-controlled section of Kashmir and the other over the eastern Pakistani city of Lahore.
Lashkar-e-Taiba has strong ties in both areas.
On Saturday Pakistani officials reiterated their calls for India to provide evidence that Pakistan-based elements were involved in the Mumbai attacks that killed 171 people.
In an interview with Indian media, Indian Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee said India would disclose whatever information it had once the investigation is complete.
Islamabad denies any involvement in the three-day assault on Mumbai that began November 26.
VOA News - Indian PM Wants 'Normalized' Relations with Pakistan