ISLAMABAD: In sharp contrast to her earlier reaction to the formation of the BJP Government, Pakistan Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto has extended an olive branch to hew new Indian counterpart H.D. Deve Gowda, expressing the hope that the two countries would be able to resolve their differences justly, “given mutual respect and a firm adherence to internationally established principles.”

In her congratulatory message sent to the Indian Prime Minister last week, the Pakistan Prime Minister’s tenor. Was markedly far more positive and cooperative that the let us wait and see policy which had been adopted after the BJP formed the Government.

The already strained relations between the two countries had taken a turn for the worse within hours of BJP’s coming to power. An alarmed Pakistan Foreign Minister even went to the extent of dubbing the BJP Government a threat to regional security.

With Gowda now in the saddle, it appears that the Pakistan foreign office is feeling far more comfortable, and even guardedly optimistic, about the possibility of improving relations between the two touchy neighbors. Suggesting that the two countries could put their acrimonious pasts behind them for the sake of their people, Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto went On to reiterate her Government’s offer of talks to India, provided if entailed discussions on the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir.

In this connection, she also pointed to the manifesto of Janata Dal, an ally of the ruling coalition, which promises discussions with Pakistan on this issue. Following is the text of Bhutto’s message to Gowda:

“Excellency, on behalf of my Government and on my own behalf, I would like to convey our felicitations and best wishes on you. Assumption of the office of the Prime Minister. South Asian countries are heirs to many fine and magnificent civilizations; the accumulative wisdom of our two nations has much to offer to the world. As responsible leaders of South Asia, let me seize this opportunity by opening a new chapter in our relations by laying the foundations of a peaceful South Asia based on equitable conflict resolution and reconciliation. We need to engage ourselves, without further loss of time, in this process for peace. Let the world witness our two great countries putting their acrimony behind them for the sake of their peoples. As civilized options, let us sit across the table for a search for lasting peace. We have been encouraged by the reference in the manifesto of Janata Dal that discussions with Pakistan will be held to resolve the (Jammu and Kashmir) dispute, keeping in view the sentiments of the people of the state. I should like to reiterate our offer of talks aimed at the settlement of the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir and other outstanding matters between our two countries, please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.”

Article extracted from this publication >>  June 12, 1996