Showing posts with label Obama. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Obama. Show all posts
Monday, June 28, 2010
PM rules out n-material being used for 'unintended purpose'
The Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, on Monday ruled out the possibility of nuclear material or equipment supplied to India under civil nuclear cooperation agreements being used for "any unintended purpose." "Nuclear material supplied to India will be fully safeguarded in terms of agreement signed with IAEA. We have fool-proof system of export controls. "We have complete civilian control and there is no scope whatsoever for any nuclear material or equipment being supplied going for any unintended purpose," Dr Singh told a joint press conference with his Canadian counterpart, Mr Stephen Harper after the two countries signed a civil nuclear cooperation agreement. He was responding to a question whether there were enough safeguards to prevent nuclear material coming to India under such agreements being used for any weapons programme. India already has civil nuclear agreements with eight countries like the US, France and Russia. Replying to questions, Mr Harper said Canada, which had imposed sanctions on India after the Pokhran-I and Pokhran-II atomic tests in 1974 (RPT) 1974 and 1998, cannot live in the past. "In relation to the nuclear cooperation, we have received all the reasons that we were looking. It is a good agreement. We got much more important reasons because we cannot live in the past of 1970s," Mr Harper said. He said India is a "powerhouse that is going to play a very important role in the world. "We are determined to develop cooperation not only for the sake of our industry, but it is also an agreement which is a symbol of our relationship," he said.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Terrorism is Pak's enemy, not India: Obama
President Barack Obama believes that after years of looking at their main rival India as their only concern, Pakistan has finally come to realise that the cancer of terrorism threatens Pakistan's sovereignty.
"I think there has been in the past a view on the part of Pakistan that their primary rival, India, was their only concern," he said Wednesday at a joint press appearance with the visiting Afghan President Hamid Karzai in response to a question by an Afghan journalist about Pakistan's unhelpful attitude towards Afghanistan.
"I think what you've seen over the last several months is a growing recognition that they have a cancer in their midst; that the extremist organizations that have been allowed to congregate and use as a base the frontier areas to then go into Afghanistan, that that now threatens Pakistan 's sovereignty."
Obama said he and Karzai had in the past, met with Pakistan President Asif Ali "Zardari, as well as their intelligence officers, their military, their teams, and emphasised to Pakistan the fact that our security is intertwined."
"Our goal is to break down some of the old suspicions and the old bad habits and continue to work with the Pakistani government to see their interest in a stable Afghanistan which is free from foreign meddling," he said.
"Afghanistan, Pakistan, the United States, the international community, should all be working to reduce the influence of extremists in those regions, Obama said. "And I am actually encouraged by what I've seen from the Pakistani government over the last several months."
"But just as it's going to take some time for Afghanistan's economy, for example, to fully recover from 30 years of war, it's going to take some time for Pakistan, even where there is a will, to find a way in order to effectively deal with these extremists in areas that are fairly loosely governed from Islamabad," Obama said.
Praising recent steps taken by Pakistan to take on militants, he said: "Part of what I've been encouraged by is Pakistan's willingness to start asserting more control over some of these areas.
"But it's not going to happen overnight," he acknowledged. "And they have been taking enormous casualties; the Pakistani military has been going in fairly aggressively. But this will be a ongoing project."
During a 45 minute meeting in the Oval Office, Obama said he and Karzai "both discussed the fact that the only way, ultimately, that Pakistan is secure is if Afghanistan is secure.
"And the only way that Afghanistan is secure is if the sovereignty, the territorial integrity, the Afghan constitution, the Afghan people are respected by their neighbours.
"We think that that message is starting to get through, but it's one that we have to continue to promote," Obama said.
"I think there has been in the past a view on the part of Pakistan that their primary rival, India, was their only concern," he said Wednesday at a joint press appearance with the visiting Afghan President Hamid Karzai in response to a question by an Afghan journalist about Pakistan's unhelpful attitude towards Afghanistan.
"I think what you've seen over the last several months is a growing recognition that they have a cancer in their midst; that the extremist organizations that have been allowed to congregate and use as a base the frontier areas to then go into Afghanistan, that that now threatens Pakistan 's sovereignty."
Obama said he and Karzai had in the past, met with Pakistan President Asif Ali "Zardari, as well as their intelligence officers, their military, their teams, and emphasised to Pakistan the fact that our security is intertwined."
"Our goal is to break down some of the old suspicions and the old bad habits and continue to work with the Pakistani government to see their interest in a stable Afghanistan which is free from foreign meddling," he said.
"Afghanistan, Pakistan, the United States, the international community, should all be working to reduce the influence of extremists in those regions, Obama said. "And I am actually encouraged by what I've seen from the Pakistani government over the last several months."
"But just as it's going to take some time for Afghanistan's economy, for example, to fully recover from 30 years of war, it's going to take some time for Pakistan, even where there is a will, to find a way in order to effectively deal with these extremists in areas that are fairly loosely governed from Islamabad," Obama said.
Praising recent steps taken by Pakistan to take on militants, he said: "Part of what I've been encouraged by is Pakistan's willingness to start asserting more control over some of these areas.
"But it's not going to happen overnight," he acknowledged. "And they have been taking enormous casualties; the Pakistani military has been going in fairly aggressively. But this will be a ongoing project."
During a 45 minute meeting in the Oval Office, Obama said he and Karzai "both discussed the fact that the only way, ultimately, that Pakistan is secure is if Afghanistan is secure.
"And the only way that Afghanistan is secure is if the sovereignty, the territorial integrity, the Afghan constitution, the Afghan people are respected by their neighbours.
"We think that that message is starting to get through, but it's one that we have to continue to promote," Obama said.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Bring 26/11 perpetrators to justice, Obama tells Pakistan
U.S. President Barack Obama on Sunday asked Pakistani Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani to bring the perpetrators of the Mumbai terrorist attacks to justice, saying this would help improve the security situation in the region.
Mr. Obama also did not commit for any civilian nuclear deal with Pakistan on the lines of that of India.
Meeting Mr. Gilani, more than two hours after his meeting with the Indian Prime Minister, Mr. Obama told the high—level Pakistani delegation that Dr. Singh was sincere in improving ties with Islamabad, but wants Pakistan to take action against those responsible for the Mumbai attacks.
“Mr. Obama said he feels that Prime Minister Singh is sincere in his desire to engage Pakistan, but he (Singh) wants Pakistan to move against those responsible for the Mumbai attacks,” said a source referring to the deliberations that went inside the two delegations for about 40 minutes at the Blair House.
Mr. Obama is believed to have said that he also personally believes that Pakistan taking action against those responsible for the Mumbai terrorist attack “would be a positive thing”, sources said, adding that there was no commitment to the Pakistani leaders when Mr. Gilani raised the issue of a civilian nuclear deal with the U.S. on the lines of that of India to meet its acute energy needs.
During the meeting the U.S. President is understood to have spoken on his desire to have an improved Indo—Pak relationship arguing that he believes that this would have a positive impact on the overall situation in the region.
Noting that both India and Pakistan are sovereign nations, Mr. Obama felt that improvement in Indo—Pak relationship is beneficial to both of them.
Mr. Obama also did not commit for any civilian nuclear deal with Pakistan on the lines of that of India.
Meeting Mr. Gilani, more than two hours after his meeting with the Indian Prime Minister, Mr. Obama told the high—level Pakistani delegation that Dr. Singh was sincere in improving ties with Islamabad, but wants Pakistan to take action against those responsible for the Mumbai attacks.
“Mr. Obama said he feels that Prime Minister Singh is sincere in his desire to engage Pakistan, but he (Singh) wants Pakistan to move against those responsible for the Mumbai attacks,” said a source referring to the deliberations that went inside the two delegations for about 40 minutes at the Blair House.
Mr. Obama is believed to have said that he also personally believes that Pakistan taking action against those responsible for the Mumbai terrorist attack “would be a positive thing”, sources said, adding that there was no commitment to the Pakistani leaders when Mr. Gilani raised the issue of a civilian nuclear deal with the U.S. on the lines of that of India to meet its acute energy needs.
During the meeting the U.S. President is understood to have spoken on his desire to have an improved Indo—Pak relationship arguing that he believes that this would have a positive impact on the overall situation in the region.
Noting that both India and Pakistan are sovereign nations, Mr. Obama felt that improvement in Indo—Pak relationship is beneficial to both of them.
Manmohan highlights terror threat emanating from Pakistan
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has conveyed to U.S. President Barack Obama India’s serious concern over terror emanating from Pakistan and its lack of will to punish the perpetrators of 26/11 attacks.
On his part, Mr. Obama said the U.S. shares India’s concerns over Lashkar-e-Taiba and other terror outfits operating from Pakistan.
Dr. Singh said New Delhi wants convincing action against those behind the Mumbai attacks.
The Prime Minister, during his 45—minute meeting with Mr. Obama, also raised the issue of Indian investigators getting direct access to Mumbai attacks plotter David Headley.
Mr. Obama said the U.S. was working through legal processes for giving India access to Headley.
“He (Obama) was fully supportive of our request for provision of such access,” Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao told reporters.
Mr. Obama also promised to keep in mind India’s concerns over the end—use of the US military supplies to Pakistan after Singh voiced apprehensions in this regard.
The U.S. President said he favoured reduction of tensions between India and Pakistan but the Prime Minister made it clear that the “future of South Asia would be determined by the manner in which terrorism is tackled“.
During the meeting at the Blair House, Dr. Singh emphasised that Pakistan needed to take “convincing action” against those responsible for Mumbai attacks, she said.
Mr. Obama said the U.S. understood India’s concerns with regard to activities of Lashkar-e-Taiba and other terror groups from Pakistan and Afghanistan and that Washington was “engaging” Pakistan on these issues.
While talking about the menace of terrorism emanating from Pakistan, Dr. Singh referred to Headley, activities of LeT and its chief Hafiz Saeed and HuJI terrorist Ilyas Kashmiri, Ms. Rao said.
“Unfortunately, there is no will on part of Pakistan to punish those responsible for terrorist attacks in Mumbai,” Ms. Rao quoted the Prime Minister as telling Mr. Obama.
“This is where partnership of India and the U.S. could make the difference,” Dr. Singh told Mr. Obama.
To a question, Ms. Rao said the fate of Indo-Pak dialogue had no connection with the meeting between Dr. Singh and Mr. Obama.
She said the U.S. as also the entire world, was aware of India’s approach on dialogue with Pakistan. “The U.S. fully understands” India’s position on the dialogue.
India has suspended composite dialogue since the 26/11 attacks and has refused to resume it till Pakistan takes concrete and transparent action against those behind the terror strike.
Ms. Rao said there would be no meeting between Dr. Singh and Pakistani Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani here during the Nuclear Security Summit but did not categorically rule out such a possibility in Bhutan during the upcoming SAARC Summit.
Sources said Dr. Singh told Mr. Obama about India’s scepticism on Pakistan army’s role and pressed the US to ensure that army’s influence diminished in Pakistan.
Mr. Obama said India has the goodwill and understanding in the US.
Noting that shared Dr. Singh’s vision for South Asia, Mr. Obama said he understands India’s interest in Afghanistan and recognises its role. He expressed support to India’s continued assistance programme in Afghanistan.
While talking about Indo-US counter-terrorism cooperation, Mr. Obama said the US was working through legal systems for provision of access to Headley. He said he was supportive of India’s request for provision of access.
On India’s concerns over misuse of US military supplies to Pakistan, Mr. Obama said the US was sensitive to these worries and would monitor the end use of the material given.
The US President referred to the Civil Nuclear Liability Bill and expressed hope that it would be passed by Parliament as expeditiously as possible.
The bill, whose passage is critical for implementation of the Indo-U.S. civil nuclear deal, has got caught in a political quagmire with opposition parties objecting to certain clauses in it, including the cap of Rs. 500 crore on compensation.
On his part, Mr. Obama said the U.S. shares India’s concerns over Lashkar-e-Taiba and other terror outfits operating from Pakistan.
Dr. Singh said New Delhi wants convincing action against those behind the Mumbai attacks.
The Prime Minister, during his 45—minute meeting with Mr. Obama, also raised the issue of Indian investigators getting direct access to Mumbai attacks plotter David Headley.
Mr. Obama said the U.S. was working through legal processes for giving India access to Headley.
“He (Obama) was fully supportive of our request for provision of such access,” Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao told reporters.
Mr. Obama also promised to keep in mind India’s concerns over the end—use of the US military supplies to Pakistan after Singh voiced apprehensions in this regard.
The U.S. President said he favoured reduction of tensions between India and Pakistan but the Prime Minister made it clear that the “future of South Asia would be determined by the manner in which terrorism is tackled“.
During the meeting at the Blair House, Dr. Singh emphasised that Pakistan needed to take “convincing action” against those responsible for Mumbai attacks, she said.
Mr. Obama said the U.S. understood India’s concerns with regard to activities of Lashkar-e-Taiba and other terror groups from Pakistan and Afghanistan and that Washington was “engaging” Pakistan on these issues.
While talking about the menace of terrorism emanating from Pakistan, Dr. Singh referred to Headley, activities of LeT and its chief Hafiz Saeed and HuJI terrorist Ilyas Kashmiri, Ms. Rao said.
“Unfortunately, there is no will on part of Pakistan to punish those responsible for terrorist attacks in Mumbai,” Ms. Rao quoted the Prime Minister as telling Mr. Obama.
“This is where partnership of India and the U.S. could make the difference,” Dr. Singh told Mr. Obama.
To a question, Ms. Rao said the fate of Indo-Pak dialogue had no connection with the meeting between Dr. Singh and Mr. Obama.
She said the U.S. as also the entire world, was aware of India’s approach on dialogue with Pakistan. “The U.S. fully understands” India’s position on the dialogue.
India has suspended composite dialogue since the 26/11 attacks and has refused to resume it till Pakistan takes concrete and transparent action against those behind the terror strike.
Ms. Rao said there would be no meeting between Dr. Singh and Pakistani Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani here during the Nuclear Security Summit but did not categorically rule out such a possibility in Bhutan during the upcoming SAARC Summit.
Sources said Dr. Singh told Mr. Obama about India’s scepticism on Pakistan army’s role and pressed the US to ensure that army’s influence diminished in Pakistan.
Mr. Obama said India has the goodwill and understanding in the US.
Noting that shared Dr. Singh’s vision for South Asia, Mr. Obama said he understands India’s interest in Afghanistan and recognises its role. He expressed support to India’s continued assistance programme in Afghanistan.
While talking about Indo-US counter-terrorism cooperation, Mr. Obama said the US was working through legal systems for provision of access to Headley. He said he was supportive of India’s request for provision of access.
On India’s concerns over misuse of US military supplies to Pakistan, Mr. Obama said the US was sensitive to these worries and would monitor the end use of the material given.
The US President referred to the Civil Nuclear Liability Bill and expressed hope that it would be passed by Parliament as expeditiously as possible.
The bill, whose passage is critical for implementation of the Indo-U.S. civil nuclear deal, has got caught in a political quagmire with opposition parties objecting to certain clauses in it, including the cap of Rs. 500 crore on compensation.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Obama donates Nobel prize money to charities
U.S. President Barack Obama on Thursday announced that he’ll donate his $1.4 million Nobel Peace Prize award money among several charities, including $200,000 to the Clinton-Bush Haiti Fund and $250,000 to Fisher House, which provides housing to families of patients at military medical centers.
“These organisations do extraordinary work in the United States and abroad helping students, veterans and countless others in need,” Mr. Obama said.
“I’m proud to support their work,” he said in a statement.
Mr. Obama said the Central Asia Institute would receive $100,000. The institute promotes and supports community-based education and literacy, especially for girls, in remote regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan.
The Institute’s co-founder, Greg Mortenson, was also a Nobel Peace Prize nominee this year, whose book, ‘Three Cups of Tea: One Man’s Mission to Promote Peace, One School at a Time’, recounts his attempt to successfully establish dozens of schools and promote girl education in rural Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Among other organizations to receive Obama’s Noble money include $125,000 to College Summit, which is a national non-profit organisation that partners with elementary and middle schools and school districts to strengthen college-going culture and increase college enrollment rates, so that all students graduate from high school career and college-ready, the White House said in a statement.
“These organisations do extraordinary work in the United States and abroad helping students, veterans and countless others in need,” Mr. Obama said.
“I’m proud to support their work,” he said in a statement.
Mr. Obama said the Central Asia Institute would receive $100,000. The institute promotes and supports community-based education and literacy, especially for girls, in remote regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan.
The Institute’s co-founder, Greg Mortenson, was also a Nobel Peace Prize nominee this year, whose book, ‘Three Cups of Tea: One Man’s Mission to Promote Peace, One School at a Time’, recounts his attempt to successfully establish dozens of schools and promote girl education in rural Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Among other organizations to receive Obama’s Noble money include $125,000 to College Summit, which is a national non-profit organisation that partners with elementary and middle schools and school districts to strengthen college-going culture and increase college enrollment rates, so that all students graduate from high school career and college-ready, the White House said in a statement.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Chile quake toll rises to 708
The toll in the devastating earthquake in Chile has risen to 708, Chilean President Michelle Bachelet said.
The country was facing "a catastrophe of such unthinkable magnitude" and will need enormous efforts to recover, he said at a press conference Sunday, adding the fatalities may increase as the rescue efforts are continuing, Xinhua reported.
An earthquake measuring 8.8 on the Richter scale rocked Chile last Saturday, causing widespread destruction.Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Senior US official in Syria as relations improve
A senior U.S. official is meeting the Syrian president as part of President Barack Obama’s attempts to improve ties with Damascus after years of tense relations.
William Burns, the U.S. undersecretary of state for political affairs, was received on Wednesday by President Bashar Assad. Mr. Burns is the highest ranking U.S. official to visit Syria since January 2005.
The visit comes a day after Mr. Obama said he would nominate a career diplomat to become the United States’ first ambassador to Damascus since 2005.
The tense relations between Syria and the U.S. started to improve after Mr. Obama took office last year. Mr. Obama made changing the United States’ image in the Middle East a priority of his first year.
William Burns, the U.S. undersecretary of state for political affairs, was received on Wednesday by President Bashar Assad. Mr. Burns is the highest ranking U.S. official to visit Syria since January 2005.
The visit comes a day after Mr. Obama said he would nominate a career diplomat to become the United States’ first ambassador to Damascus since 2005.
The tense relations between Syria and the U.S. started to improve after Mr. Obama took office last year. Mr. Obama made changing the United States’ image in the Middle East a priority of his first year.
