New Delhi: Defence Minister George Fernandes today (Feb 25, 2004) sought to downplay the threat by Hurriyat Conference to walk out of talks if the alleged Human Rights violations were not stopped in Jammu and Kashmir, saying these were "small issues", which would be "definitely solved".

Fernandes, who had a 30-minute meeting with Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani shortly after Hurriyat's warning, told reporters that action would be taken against those security personnel found guilty of Human Rights violations.

Asked about the Hurriyat's threat to walk out of the talks if the alleged Human Rights violations were not stopped, Fernandes said, "These are small issues and will be definitely solved...as far as their concern for Human Rights is concerned, action will be taken."

Fernandes and the Deputy Prime Minister are understood to have discussed the Hurriyat's warning of pulling out of talks.

The Defence Minister expressed the hope that there would be no impediments in the path of peace and appealed to all concerned to contribute towards it.