• Military

• WMD Menu                           

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

DATE=10/13/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=VAJPAYEE SWEARING-IN (L)
NUMBER=2-254960
BYLINE=JIM TEEPLE
DATELINE=NEW DELHI
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO:  India's Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee 
says he is concerned about the military coup in 
Pakistan, but he is committed to friendly relations 
with India's neighbor.  Correspondent Jim Teeple 
reports Mr. Vajpayee also says his government is 
willing to talk to the military authorities that are 
now in control in Islamabad.  
//  INSERT ACT OF VAJPAYEE SWEARING IN..EST..AND FADE 
UNDER TEXT.//
Text:  Atal Behari Vajpayee was sworn in as Prime 
Minister for the third time (Wednesday), as Indian 
troops stayed on alert along the India Pakistan 
border.
Speaking shortly after his swearing-in Mr. Vajpaye 
said he was concerned about the developments in 
Pakistan.  
Mr. Vajpayee also says he is willing to talk to the 
military authorities now in charge in Islamabad.  
India's Prime Minister says he wishes the people of 
Pakistan well, and wants good relations, but Pakistan 
must also act in good faith. 
            // VAJPAYEE ACTUALITY //
      We would like to continue with the policy of 
      friendly relations, but it is for Pakistan to 
      create a climate for the resumption of dialogue 
      between the two countries. 
            // END ACTUALITY // 
Mr. Vajpyee's stated goal of improving relations with 
Pakistan is on hold following the military coup 
against Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.  But there have 
been no signs the coup in Islamabad will lead to new 
hostilities between India and Pakistan.
India's Defense Minister, George Fernandes, says no 
unusual troop movements have been detected on 
Pakistan's side of the border and India does not feel 
threatened.
            // FERNANDES ACTUALITY //
      We do not visualize any threat, but we are 
      always on alert.  At this point of time there is 
      a little bit of extra alert, that is about all.
            // END ACT //  
India and Pakistan have fought three wars since 
independence -- two over the disputed Kashmir region.  
Earlier this year both countries came close to war 
again after Indian troops confronted infiltrators in 
Kashmir who had crossed the border from Pakistan. 
Last year both India and Pakistan tested nuclear 
weapons, sparking fears of nuclear proliferation and 
an all-out arms race in South Asia.   (SIGNED) 
NEB/JLT/RAE 
13-Oct-1999 08:22 AM EDT (13-Oct-1999 1222 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
.