Ajmal Kasab judgement likely to figure in Manmohan-Zardari meet in Iran

Tehran: The Ajmal Kasab judgement in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks is likely to have an impact on the meeting between Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari and India's Prime Minister Manmohan Singh as they meet on the sidelines of the NAM summit in Tehran. India will push for a speedy trial of the 26/11 masterminds in Pakistan.

Enough water has flown down the Indus since Manmohan Singh and Asif Zardari last met in April in Delhi. For one, Mumbai mass killer Ajmal Kasab's death sentence has been confirmed by the Supreme Court.

External Affairs Minister SM Krishna said, "I am sure that even Pakistan will take note of the verdict. Let me remind you that the Pakistan judiciary is also proactive."

Manmohan Singh will push for a speedy trial of the 26/11 masterminds in Pakistan as he meets Asif Ali Zardari in Iran.

Earlier Abu Jundal, who directed the attack from Karachi, was bundled off to India by Saudi Arabia and his confessions have linked Pakistan directly to the attack.

So, there is enough on the table. The Prime Minister is expected to address these issues and also push Zardari on expediting the trial of the Mumbai attackers. The mass exodus of Northeastern Indians following doctored Pakistani mobile messages is unlikely to figure in their deliberations, Indian diplomats have clarified.

But Manmohan Singh will seek clarifications on issues relating to liberalising the visa regime and of course trade.

Keeping in mind the Sharmal Sheikh controversy during a previous NAM summit, a joint statement is not likely this time around. However what President Zardari would perhaps look forward to as a takeaway would be a concrete date from Dr Singh to visit Pakistan. It remains to be seen if that announcement comes through.

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