NEW DELHI. Dec 4 (Interfax-AVN) - Russian President Vladimir Putin has urged Pakistan to actively eradicate its terrorist infrastructure.
Putin reaffirmed the need for "normalization of Indian- Pakistani relations." "Russia has positively assessed the two countries' efforts to ease tensions in the border areas and the entire region including India's recent decision to withdraw some of its troops from the state border," Putin said at a joint news conference with Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
"However, a further stabilization requires the sides' full compliance with their commitments. Islamabad must not only stop infiltration of Kashmir militants to state of Jammu and Kashmir, but also seriously intensify eradication of the terrorist infrastructure in the region," he said.
Putin acknowledged the problem of acquisition of weapons of mass destruction by terrorists.
"Public should realize that such a threat exists. We must strengthen the international guarantees of non-proliferation. Everything should be done to ensure a peaceful settlement of disputes including between India and Pakistan. Furthermore, a system of international guarantees should be set up to protect Pakistan's national interests," he said.