India warns Pakistan to halt all 'cross-border terrorism'
(Agencies)
Updated: 2005-03-16 14:28

Pakistan must halt "all cross-border terrorism against India" as part of the peace process, Indian Foreign Minister Natwar Singh warned.

"There should be no doubt about our commitment to achieving peace with Pakistan," Singh Wednesday told a joint press conference in New Delhi with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice (left) is welcomed by Indian Foreign Minister Natwar Singh prior to a meeting in New Delhi on Wednesday. [AFP]

However he added: "It is critical Pakistan implement fully its solemn commitment to cease all cross-border terrorism against India."

India accuses Pakistan of sponsoring an Islamic rebellion in Kashmir, which is divided between the two countries but claimed in full by both.

Islamabad denies the allegations and says it merely supports an indigenous freedom struggle by Kashmiris.

But Singh said the peace process with Pakistan was "progressing satisfactorily".

"We look forward to welcoming (Pakistani president) General (Pervez) Musharaff here soon."

India has invited the president to attend a cricket match during the current tour by Pakistan.

Rice, who was to travel to Pakistan later Wednesday, praised steps towards peace already taken by the two countries following talks with Singh.

"We as well had a chance to talk about American support for composite dialogue with Pakistan and we very much admire what the (Indian) prime minister and President Pervez Musharraf have been able to continue, given the change in government here in India," she said.

"It is heartening that dialogue has continued and indeed accelerated and we want to be supportive in anyway that we can."

The neighbours began a slow-moving peace dialogue in January last year and last month agreed to restart a bus service between the two zones of divided Kashmir in the most visible sign yet their talks are bearing fruit.

Some 40,000 people have died since the Kashmir rebellion began in 1989, according to official figures.

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