NEW YORK (TIP): Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, on September 26, strongly condemned the “provocative” terror strikes in Jammu region by the “enemies of peace”, but said such attacks will not succeed in derailing efforts to resolve all problems through a process of dialogue.Singh, who will be meeting Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in New York on Sunday for talks, said: “the terrorist menace” continues to receive “encouragement and reinforcement” from Pakistan and India is firmly resolved to combat and defeat such forces. “This is one more in a series of provocations and barbaric actions by the enemies of peace,” Singh said in a statement here en route to the US. “Such attacks will not deter us and will not succeed in derailing our efforts to find a resolution to all problems through a process of dialogue,” he said, indicating that the talks with Sharif will go ahead as per schedule. (Read the full story of attack on Page 23) At the meeting on September 29, the Indian side will see what the new Pakistan Prime Minister, who has made “some nice statements” about the relationship, has to offer to address its concerns over ceasefire violations on the Line of Control and International Border, continued terrorism and inaction against the perpetrators of the 2008 Mumbai attack.

Bilateral relations soured after five Indian soldiers were killed by Pakistani troops along the Line of Control last month. India has also been urging Islamabad to take steps to stop terrorism emanating from Pakistani soil and to prosecute those responsible for the 2008 Mumbai attacks. The situation on the LoC and terrorism will be discussed, highly placed sources said about the talks that will take place against the backdrop of a chill in bilateral ties.Emphasizing the need for talks with Pakistan, the sources said it is all the more essential after the “barbaric incidents” on the LoC. The sources said the two leaders will review the status of bilateral relations to see “where we are and where we need to go”. They, however, sought to keep expectations low, emphasizing that any substantial outcome should not be hoped for. The sources further said there will be no joint statement. They underlined the need for talking to Pakistan, arguing that “you don’t need to make peace with friends but with enemies”. “We are ready to talk on all issues. We know what the issues are,” a source said.