LD PM 2

During his 85-minute press conference, Singh anwsered
questions ranging from India's relations with Pakistan and the
Naxal problem to the spectrum row involving Communications
Minister A Raja and the Afzal Guru issue.
Observing that Rahul, the 39-year-old AICC general
secretary, was "very qualified" to hold a post in the Union
Cabinet, Singh said he has always been reluctant to join his
ministry and renewed his offer to him to join the UPA
Government.
"Rahul is very qualified to hold a Cabinet post. I
have discussed with him on a number of occasions though I
don't remember exactly the date when I discussed with him
last," Singh said.
He was asked when Rahul is expected to join his Cabinet
as he is being projected as the future Prime Minister of the
country.
"He (Rahul) has always been reluctant to give a positive
answer (on joining the Cabinet) by telling me that he has due
things to strengthen the Congress party," the Prime Minister
said of Rahul.
He also said that as and when Rahul decides to join the
Cabinet he would be given an appropriate role.
To a question on future of India's relations with
Pakistan, Singh said "trust deficit" between the two
neighbouring countries was the "biggest problem" coming in the
way of any improvement in bilateral relations.
Singh also said India is willing to discuss all
outstanding issues with Pakistan but it should ensure that its
soil is not used for terrorism against this country.
On the forthcoming dialogue between Foreign Ministers
of the two countries, Singh said India is going to make a
beginning in improving the bilateral relations, which have
seen a chill after the Mumbai attacks in November 2008.
"It has been my effort to try to reduce the gap
between our two countries without surrendering or affecting
our vital national interest," Singh said.
Singh said bilateral relations with Pakistan have not
reached a level where India could raise the issue of taking
back the areas of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
"There are many issues that we are discussing with
Pakistan. Talks could not reach that level to find solutions
to the question asked by you," Singh said when asked about the
efforts made by the government to get back Indian territories
under Pakistani occupation. PTI AJD
MRD


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