Defence Minister George Fernandes today expressed hope that Prime Minister A.B. Vajpayee’s latest peace overtures to Pakistan would be successful. Speaking on the sidelines of a book release function, the minister welcomed Pakistan’s decision to restrict the movement of Hizbul Mujahideen cadres and termed it as a ‘‘good decision.’’ He also welcomed the fact that confidence-building measures between the two countries have already started and said: ‘‘I am confident this initiative will succeed.’’ Rejecting conflicting reports on the level of infiltration, Fernandes stated, ‘‘I don’t think (reports of) infiltration can be used as a barometer to judge the peace initiative.’’ He added, ‘‘We are aware of the problems ahead and we know it will take time, but if critics say the first two initiatives failed, I am confident this one will succeed.’’ He said the first set of confidence-building measures announced by both countries is an indication that the initiative is on the right track.
