We have all relevant answers over Indo-Pak jt statement: PM

New Delhi, Jul 25 (PTI) Under attack over the Indo-Pak
joint statement, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Saturday said
the government has all the "relevant answers" to the questions
raised over it and these will be spelt out by him in
Parliament on July 29.

He also dismissed as "media creation" the reported
difference of opinion between the government and Congress
party on the issue.

"I have made a statement in Parliament and Parliament is
again going to discuss the issue. I will clarify," Singh told
reporters here when asked about the controversy over the Joint
Statement which had made mention of Balochistan and delinked
terrorism and holding of composite dialogue with Pakistan.

Singh refused to speak on the matter further, saying
"pending a debate in Parliament, it is inappropriate to answer
any specific questions on the issue."

He, however, expressed confidence that "we have all the
relevant answers."

The Indo-Pak Joint Statement, issued after Singh's
meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani in
Sharm-el Sheikh on July 16, has come in for sharp attack over
mention of Balochistan and India agreeing to delink dialogue
from Pakistan's action against terrorism.

Responding to demands from the opposition, a discussion
will be held on the issue in Parliament on July 29 during
which the Prime Minister will intervene.

Asked about reported difference of opinion between the
government and the Congress party on the issue, Singh
dismissed it as a "media creation".

Singh was replying to queries by mediapersons at
Rashtrapati Bhavan after presentation of Indira Gandhi Prize
for Peace, Disarmament and Development to The Bill and Melinda
Gates Foundation. The award was received by Bill Gates from
President Pratibha Patil.

Opposition parties, particularly the BJP (Bharatiya
Janata Party), along with experts have attacked the government
over the joint statement, saying it marked reversal of India's
stand on terrorism.

The mention of Balochistan, where Pakistan alleges Indian
involvement in the unrest, has also been sharply criticised.

To a question on the launch of National Nutrition
Mission, Singh said the government attaches top priority to
it. PTI