Every country has right to defend itself: Pranab

India today asserted that every country had the right to defend its territorial integrity and it had become difficult to continue the peace proces with Pakistan. External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee said in an interview with the NDTV that terror incidents like Mumbai and Kabul embassy attack had vitiated the atmosphere.

He, however, said that India did not have the intention to discontinue the peace process, but it had to take into account people's sentiments which were affecetd by such incidents.

''These incidents, and if these are not adequately addressed by the other side, create an atmosphere in which it is difficult to carry on normal business, including the peace process,'' the External Affairs Minister said.

When asked whether India was thinking about military option at all, Mr Mukherjee said, ''As and when it takes place, people will come to know. It is not publicised.'' He however, declined to comment directly on the issue, saying ''what I am saying that every country has the right to protect its territorial integrity and take appropriate action when it feels necessary...'' Meanwhile, official sources said India was awaiting a response from Pakistan to the demarche given yesterday and asserted that a conducive atmosphere was required for the peace process to move forward. Asked when was a response from Pakistan expected, the sources declined to give a time-frame saying ''it cannot be quantified.'' The sources said India had sought cordial relations with Pakistan but Pakistan had to deliver on its promises and assurances given by the then President Pervez Musharraf in 2004 and President Asif Ali Zardari this year.

''For the peace process, a conducive atmosphere is require...We are at a stage when we need results. There have been variants of similar offences made in the past which have not led anywhere.

The demarche served on Pakistan High Commissioner Shahid Malik by the External Affairs Ministry yesteday, reaffirmed India's demand that Pakistan apprehend about fugitives and hand them over to India. The 20 include underworld don Dawood Ibrahim and JeM Chief Masood Azhar. who are wanted in India for various terrorist activities and have taken refuge in Pakistan.

-- (UNI) -- 02DI63.xml

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