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India PM demands action from Pakistan ahead of summitUNITED NATIONS: Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh warned Saturday that Pakistan must stop being "the epicenter of terrorism" if it wants better ties ahead of his first meeting with Nawaz Sharif.
Singh will sit down for breakfast Sunday on the sidelines of the United Nations summit with Sharif, Pakistan's newly elected premier, who appealed Friday for a "new beginning" with the historic rival.
Addressing the UN General Assembly, Singh said he shared Sharif's hopes for better relations but warned that Pakistan must no longer be "the epicenter of terrorism in our region".
"For progress to be made, it is imperative that the territory of Pakistan and the areas under its control are not utilized for aiding or abetting terrorism," Singh said.
"It is equally important that the terrorist machinery that draws its sustenance from Pakistan be shut down," he said.
Singh said he supported resolving questions over Kashmir -- which is divided between the South Asian powers and is claimed by both -- but stood firm that the Himalayan territory is "an integral part of India."
"There can never, ever, be a compromise with the unity and territorial integrity of India," he said.
An appeal from Pakistan
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Sharif, addressing the UN General Assembly on Friday, said he was looking for a "substantive and purposeful dialogue" with Singh to offer a chance for "a new beginning" with India.
"Our two countries have wasted massive resources in an arms race," Sharif said. "We could have used those resources for the economic well-being of our people."
Sharif also reiterated calls for greater international attention on Kashmir, a longstanding position of Pakistan.
Pakistan followed India in developing nuclear weapons.
The presence of atomic arms has raised fears over the repercussions of conflict between India and Pakistan -- caused either by a major attack inside India or an escalation of conflict over Kashmir.
AFP
Courtesy www.geo.tv