Cross-border terrorism from Pakistan must end for an 'appropriate atmosphere' for talks, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee said on Sunday.

"Our position is this and we stick to it," Vajpayee said, urging Pakistan to take 'more steps' to cap terrorism emanating from its borders.

Winding up his six-day summer retreat in Manali, Vajpayee said, "There is no compulsion to talk (to Pakistan)," he said, insisting there was no change in New Delhi's position on the issue of terrorism.

When referred to recent steps taken by Pakistan, including release of 17 Indian prisoners, the prime minister said, "Several steps have been taken and more must be taken. A process has begun. Let us see how these steps are linked with ending cross-border terrorism."

Asked whether he would be travelling to Pakistan for the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation meeting, Vajpayee said he had not received any invitation.

To a question whether he would be meeting Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf in St Petersburg during his upcoming visit to Russia, he said the Pakistani leader was not going there. "Shall we arrange for his visit too?" he quipped in a lighter vein.

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What do you think about the story? Read what others have to say: Number of User Comments: 3 Sub: pak must end terrorosm:PM Dear Editor, pl- stop my beloved PM- to deliver NONSENSED- speeches, repeatedly, with no sense heed on the ears of deaf, dump Gen. its bold ... Posted by ghanshaymdas gupta Sub: Why does the PM say the same thing again and again... I am tired of reading the same news everyday . Reading about Vajpayee's speeches is like reading yesterday's news. Posted by Prashant Sub: Drops make an ocean. Getting tired can frustrate. Instead, what we can do is at least stand solidly behind our leaders with full faith in them that when the ... Posted by p chandra