Wednesday, June 1 2005 10:09 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Islamabad: Seeking to shed his image as a "hawk" responsible for the demolition of the Babri Mosque and scuttling the Agra peace talks, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president and leader of Opposition L K Advani yesterday (May 31, 2005) described the December 6, 1992 Ayodhya incident as the "saddest" of his life, asserting that his "image and real persona" were not "very identical".

Recalling the recent interactions of seven BJP MPs during a conference of South Asian Parliamentarians organised by South Asian Free Media Association (SAFMA), Advani told reporters in Islamabad that it was conveyed to him that people were excited about his impending visit to Pakistan.

"I told them that the eagerness and excitement was to see whether I really have horns," he said evoking laughter, while answering questions from the Pakistani media about his as well as BJP's "hawkish" image.

The BJP chief termed as "scurrilous charge" the allegation that he conspired to assassinate the father of Pakistani nation Muhammad Ali Jinnah, before his migration to India, related to which an FIR was purportedly registered against him.

"I do not think I need to comment. It is totally baseless. It is in a way a scurrilous charge," he said.

Asked about demolition of the disputed structure at Ayodhya, he said, "It was saddest day of my life."

In a gesture aimed at building bridges, Advani also visited the largest mosque in Islamic world, the picturesque Faisal Mosque in Islamabad, which was built by the Saudi royal family.

Advani, accompanied by Indian High Commissioner Shiavshankar Menon, went round the mosque for over 15 minutes appreciating the unique architecture and its significance.

During his remarks to reporters, Advani also disagreed with the charge that he had been "spewing venom" against Pakistan and has now shifted his stand.

"It has been my conviction that it was in the best interest of India and Pakistan that peace and normalcy are established between the two countries. As Vajpayee had said we can change our history but we cannot change our geography."

Advani also dismissed the charge that BJP carried propaganda literature against Pakistan.

"We may have strong statements against terrorism but not against Pakistan. The entire civilised world is against terrorism. Pakistan is also part of world coalition against terrorism," he said.

On his stereotype image as a Muslim baiter as also on the issues of Gujarat riots and Babri demolition, he said, "Every person in public life and politics has an image. In my case, the image and the real persona are not very identical."

Asked whether both India and Pakistan have been pursuing wrong paths over the past five decades, he said it depends on perspectives.

"If any two countries (who) have been adopting the path of confrontation adopt a path of cooperation, it is welcome," he said.

Advani said apart from serving the political case of bringing about peace, harmony and normalcy, his visit will be a "nostalgic, sentimental trip to my place of birth, Karachi."

Later in the night, Pakistan Foreign Minister Khurishid M Kasuri hosted a dinner in honour of Advani.