ID :
124285
Wed, 05/26/2010 - 07:40
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/124285
The shortlink copeid
India disappointed over Pak SC decision on Hafiz Saeed
New Delhi, May 25 (PTI) Expressing disappointment over
Pakistan Supreme Court's dismissal of appeals challenging the
release of Jamaat-ud-Daawa chief Hafiz Saeed from house
arrest, India Tuesday hoped that Islamabad will take
"meaningful action" to address its concerns.
"There is a sense of disappointment. I am sure
everybody in this country will share same sense of
disappointment on this development especially when we regard
Hafiz Saeed as one of the masterminds of the Mumbai terror
attacks and he has openly urged jihad against India," Foreign
Secretary Nirupama Rao said here.
Adding that enough evidence has been given to Pakistan
on role and activities of Saeed, she said, "Now since Pakistan
has assured us that it will not allow its territory to be used
against India, we hope Pakistan will be sensitive to our
efforts and take meaningful action."
Saeed, also the founder of the banned Lashker-e-Taiba
(LeT), was put under house arrest in December 2008 in the wake
of the Mumbai attacks after the UN Security Council declared
the JuD a front for the LeT.
The JuD chief challenged his detention in the Lahore
High Court.
Saeed was freed on June 2 last year by a three-judge
bench of the High Court that said that Punjab and federal
governments had failed to provide sufficient evidence to keep
him in custody.
Following pressure from India and the international
community, the federal and Punjab governments had challenged
the High Court's ruling in the apex court.
Pakistani leaders like Interior Minister Rehman Malik
and Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi have contended that
India has not provided any evidence that will allow
authorities to act against Saeed.
Home Minister P Chidambaram has maintained that India
has provided sufficient evidence against Saeed in several
dossiers handed over to Pakistani authorities. PTI PYK
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LD RATHORE
Rathore's sentence enhanced in Ruchika case, lodged in jail
Chandigarh, May 25 (PTI) Disgraced ex-Director General
of Police of Indian state Haryana SPS Rathore was Tuesday
jailed after he was arrested for the first time shortly after
a sessions court enhanced his prison term to 18 months for
molesting teenager Ruchika Girhotra--who later committed
suicide--20 years back.
Pronouncing the verdict in a packed court room,
Additional District and Sessions Judge Gurbir Singh dismissed
the appeal filed by 68-year-old Rathore challenging the six
month rigorous imprisonment after he was convicted in the
molestation of the 14-year-old budding tennis player.
The Central Bureau of Investigation and Ruchika's
family had also filed petitions seeking enhancement of the
sentence to maximum two years.
Rathore, who has been stripped of President's Police
medal after his conviction, was taken into custody by the CBI
within the court premises itself after he did not move out
after the pronouncement of the enhanced sentence.
Though the pronouncement was made at 2.15 pm, he kept
sitting in the court room with his wife and counsel Abha
moving an application seeking a copy of the judgment.
The court directed that Rathore be taken to the local
Burail Jail immediately following dismissal of his appeal and
enhancement of the sentence after which he was taken into
custody by the CBI.
After the sentencing, Rathore looked grim and his smirk
missing but put up a brave face telling reporters, "I will
keep smiling".
The CBI personnel took him out of the court premises at
about 3.20 pm and headed for the Burail Jail in a white Tavera
vehicle.
He entered the Jail through its massive iron gate at
about 3.35 pm and in all likelihood will spend the night
there.
His wife Abha was not present when Rathore entered the
jail as she stayed behind in the District Courts.
Welcoming the verdict, Ruchika's father SC Girhotra
said, "We are satisfied (with the Court's verdict) as justice
has been delivered."
However, Girhotra said the battle against Rathore
would continue till abetment to suicide charge against him is
proved. "We will continue to fight till he is charged under
section 306 of Indian Penal Code," he said.
The former top cop was sentenced to six months'
rigorous imprisonment on December 21 last year by CBI Judge J
S Sidhu for molesting Ruchika in Panchkula on August 12, 1990.
Three years after the incident, Ruchika committed
suicide by consuming poison.
The quantum of sentence had sparked an outrage in the
country.
Rathore had sought setting aside the trial court
verdict against him while Ruchika's family and the CBI had
pleaded for enhancement of punishment to the maximum of two
years provided in the law.
The court directed the jail superintendent to provide
proper medical care to Rathore, if required, following an
application by his lawyer-wife Abha that he was a heart
patient and required care.
The court allowed Rathore's plea for getting himself
examined at the cardiac care department of the Post Graduate
Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER).PTI VJ
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The court witnessed some drama after the judge pronounced
his verdict.
Rathore sought the copy of the order through a petition
filed by his wife.
He intervened and told the court and the CBI officials,
who wanted to take him into custody, "My sentence has been
enhanced. I have my right to get the copy of the order.
Additional District and Sessions Judge Gurbir Singh told
the former top cop that there is no rule to give judgment
copy.
"The judgment has been passed on your appeal. You take
it from the Sessions Court after applying in the Copy Branch,"
the Judge said even as Rathore pressed for the copy.
Shortly after the Judge disallowed his application,
the CBI personnel took him out of the court premises.
Immediately on reaching the Burail Jail, the prison
Doctor was called by the Jail Superintendent to examine
Rathore.
Rathore appeared to be normal, a jail official said,
adding that the Jail Superintendent would take any decision
depending on the situation in which the former top cop is.
CBI counsel C S Sharma hailed the verdict saying the
agency was satisfied with the enhancement of the sentence to
18 months. PTI VJ
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CHINA-PATIL
India, China vow to use Patil's visit to deepen ties
New Delhi/Beijing, May 25 (PTI) As President of India
Pratibha Patil embarks on a six-day state visit to China on
Wednesday, the two countries pledged to utilise it to deepen
and expand their strategic cooperation.
Ahead of the first visit by an Indian Head of State to
China in a decade, Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao told
reporters in New Delhi, "It also signals our unequivocal
commitment to deepen and expand our Strategic and Cooperative
Partnership with China."
In Beijing, the President will have extensive talks with
her counterpart Hu Jintao, Rao said, adding she will also meet
with other seniormost Chinese leaders including Chairman of
the National People's Congress Wu Bangguo, Premier Wen Jiabao
and Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative
Conference Jia Qinglin.
"We are confident that Rashtrapatiji's visit will be
instrumental in re-affirming and enhancing the long-standing
ties of friendship between our two nations and our two
peoples," the Foreign Secretary said.
When asked whether India will take up contentious issues
such as issuance of stapled visas by China, involvement of
Chinese companies in various projects in Pakistan-occupied-
Kashmir and China's help to Pakistan in building two nuclear
reactors, Rao sad "all bilateral issues and the situation in
the region will be discussed."
But she also maintained that these issues were always
under discussion with the Chinese side to "safeguard our
legitimate concerns" and said the relationship between the two
countries should not be predicated on one or two issues alone.
"I would like to note that developing friendly
cooperation with China has been one of the priorities of our
foreign policy and we are pleased that our relations are
becoming truly multifaceted," she added.
On whether India would also seek support from China for
its bid for a UN Security Council seat during the forthcoming
visit, the Foreign Secretary said, "They have taken note of
our legitimate aspirations for a greater role in the UN and
more specifically, in the UNSC."
In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Jiang
Yu said, "We welcome President Patil's visit to China".
"With this opportunity we will deepen bilateral
understanding and cooperation to upgrade China and India
relations to a higher level," Jiang said. MORE PTI PYK/KJV
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CHINA-PATIL 2LST
Jiang said the visit is taking place when Sino-Indian
relations are developing in a "comprehensive and fast manner
as evidenced by frequent visits of high-level delegations to
each other's countries deepening the political mutual trust,
progress and cooperation in various fields in major
international and regional issues".
The visit of President, who is accompanied by Minister
of State for Food Processing Subodh Kant Sahay, three MPs and
a high-level official delegation, is also expected to give
boost to business ties between the two countries.
Bilateral trade between the two countries grew 34 per
cent in 2008 to touch USD 51.8 billion, though in 2009 it
slipped to USD 43.27 billion due to global recession.
During her visit, Patil would also travel to Loyang,
where the famous White Horse Buddhist temple was built in 68
AD when Buddhism was introduced in China by Chinese Monk
Xuanzan after a 17-year-long voyage.
As a gesture of goodwill and friendship, India has built
a Buddhist temple close to it, which Patil will inaugurate.
She will also travel to Shanghai and visit India and
China Pavilions at the Shanghai Expo. PTI PYK/KJV
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LD SAEED
SC quashes appeals against 26/11 mastermind Saeed's release
Rezaul H Laskar
Islamabad, May 25 (PTI) Pakistan's Supreme Court Tuesday
dismissed appeals by the government against JuD chief Hafiz
Saeed's release from house arrest for want of evidence, in a
setback to India's efforts to nail him for his involvement in
Mumbai attacks.
The apex court upheld the Lahore High Court's last year
order to release Saeed from house arrest. The appeals against
the court's order to release Saeed were filed by the federal
and Punjab governments last year but could not be taken for
various technical reasons.
"The appeals are dismissed," said Justice Nasir-ul-Mulk,
the head of the three-judge bench that heard the matter today.
Saeed (60), also the founder of the banned LeT, was put
under house arrest in December 2008 in the wake of the Mumbai
attacks after the UN Security Council declared the JuD a front
for the Lashkar-e-Taiba.
After he challenged his detention in the Lahore High
Court, Saeed was freed on June 2 last year by a three-judge
bench that said the Punjab and federal governments had failed
to provide sufficient evidence to keep him in custody.
Following pressure from India and the international
community, the federal and Punjab governments challenged the
High Court's ruling in the apex court.
Differences between the federal and Punjab governments
and the change of certain legal officials of Punjab province
held up the matter in the apex court.
India believes Saeed is the mastermind of the 26/11
attacks that killed 166 people, including foreigners, and
carried out by the LeT. New Delhi has been demanding action
against him for his involvement.
But, Pakistan has been maintaining that India has not
provided any evidence that will allow authorities to act
against Saeed.
Top Indian leaders, including Prime Minister Manmohan
Singh, have expressed their disappointment over people like
Saeed "roaming freely" in Pakistan.
The Supreme Court bench also upheld the High Court's
order to free two of Saeed's close aides, Col (retired) Nazir
Ahmed and Maulana Amir Hamza.
Saeed's lawyer A K Dogar said the bench issued a short
order that said authorities had failed to produce any evidence
that linked the JuD chief to the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
"The prosecution failed to prove its case," Dogar told
PTI.
Dogar recalled that the Lahore High Court had ruled that
Saeed's detention in the wake of the Mumbai attacks was wrong
as there was no evidence against him.
"The appeals filed by the federal and Punjab governments
were pending for long. When they came up for hearing today,
the bench said the prosecution should take them back or
present their arguments. They made their arguments but could
not convince the judges," he said. (MORE) PTI RHL
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Additional Attorney General K K Agha, who appeared on
behalf of the federal government, said there were allegations
that Saeed was involved in the Mumbai attacks.
The government also had to take action against him
under UN Security Council resolutions, he said. The bench
asked Agha whether he had any fresh material against Saeed.
It also asked Agha whether Saeed had violated the law
of the land or indulged in any "objectionable activity" during
the past one year when he was not under house arrest.
Agha told the court that Saeed was living a "peaceful
life".
The bench then observed that the liberty of a citizen
is sacred and the law does not allow the detention of anyone
without a lawful reason.
Justice Jawad S Khwaja, another member of the bench,
said a person's right to freedom cannot be taken away on the
basis of mere assumption.
The bench said it was compelled to dismiss the appeals
as the government had failed to provide concrete evidence
against Saeed.
However, it said the government could file a fresh
appeal in future if it is able to produce any new evidence.
JuD spokesman Yahya Mujahid said the SC ruling also
lifted the stigma from the "charity group".
"With the grace of god, the court ruling in our favour
proves that JuD, its chief and its workers are not
terrorists," he was quoted as saying by the Associated Press.
Pakistani leaders like Interior Minister Rehman Malik
and Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi have contended that
India has not provided any evidence that will allow
authorities to act against Saeed.
Home Minister P Chidambaram has maintained that India
has provided sufficient evidence against Saeed in several
dossiers handed over to Pakistani authorities. PTI RHL
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UK-LD QUEEN
UK's new govt to forge enhanced ties with India: Queen
H S Rao and Prasun Sonwalkar
London, May 25 (PTI) Britain's new Conservative-
Liberal Democrat coalition Government in its first policy
pronouncement Tuesday promised to "enhanced partnership" with
India but said that restrictions will be imposed on the entry
of non-EU immigrants.
Amidst royal pageantry and pomp, Queen Elizabeth II
set out the new Prime Minister David Cameron-led government's
legislative plans in the House of Lords, saying, "my
Government looks forward to enhanced partnership with India."
Outlining the government's priorities, the Queen
sporting 2,000 diamonds in her crown told the Parliament that
the new coalition government's priority will to be to reduce
Britain's deficit and restore growth to the struggling
economy.
The Queen's speech confirmed that the new government
will introduce fixed five-year parliamentary sessions as part
of far reaching political reforms.
"My government will propose parliamentary and
political reforms to restore trust in democratic institutions
and re-balance the relationship between the citizen and the
state", the Queen said.
Referring to the sensitive issue of immigration, she
said "my government will limit the number of non-European
Union economic migrants entering the United Kingdom and end
the detention of children for immigration purposes."
The Government has agreed that there should be an
annual limit to the number of non-EU economic migrants
admitted into the UK to live and work, which could come
as a major blow to immigrants from Asia, including India.
The mention about enhancing ties with India in the
Queen's Speech reiterated the commitment in the coalition
agreement to forge a 'new special relationship' with India.
But for the British Monarch it was for the first time
since the World War II that she outlined plans of a coalition
government, thrown up by the country's recent fractured
mandate.
She also came out with new government's major plans to
reform schools, police, welfare and on making the voting
system proportional, a major demand from the coalition partner
Lib-Dem.
The new government has also axed Labour's proposals
for ID cards, going in for next generation biometric
passports. Cutting the budget deficit and restoring growth
would be the new government's "first priority".
The new government has drawn up an 18-month programme
that includes steps to reduce Britain's record
163-billion-pound budget deficit. (MORE) PTI HSR/PS
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The Queen's speech confirmed that the new government
will introduce fixed five-year parliamentary sessions, hold a
referendum on making the voting system more proportional and
change the House of Lords from an appointed to an elected
chamber. But no date was indicated for the referendum on the
voting system.
Britain's government will also introduce legislation
that will ensure that public must be consulted on any future
transfer of national powers to the European Union.
It is the 56th time that the Queen has opened a new
session of Parliament during her reign and the first time that
she has outlined a Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition
programme for government.
Prime Minister David Cameron and Deputy Prime Minister
Nick Clegg walked together from 10 Downing Street to the
Commons, ignoring security fears to tread the streets with the
public.
Prime Minister's pregnant wife, Samantha was in the
gallery above the House of Lords with the Peers. The Queen
also announced majors to part privatise the Royal Mail.
There were few surprises in the 22 new bills and one
draft bill introduced in the new House, which include a
complex and controversial bill to cover parliamentary reform,
a subject on which all parties converge that action is needed
after last year's expenses scandal.
Each session of Parliament begins with this royal
address and covers the following year.
Usually, the Queen's Speech takes place in November,
but every time there is a general election, Parliament is
dissolved and the Queen's Speech takes place shortly after the
government comes to power.
Referring to immigration, the Queen said, "While it is
important that the UK attracts the brightest and the best
people who can make a real difference to the country's
economic growth, immigration is too high."
In the long term we should up-skill British workers
so that we do not need as many economic migrants to fill jobs.
"The Government will consult with business and other
interested sectors before taking final decisions on the
implementation mechanisms for these limits and the level at
which they should be set." PTI HSR/PS
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TURKMENISTAN-INDIA
India, Turkmenistan to step up engagement in gas sector
New Delhi, May 25 (PTI) India and energy-rich Turkmenistan
Tuesday decided to step up engagement in a number of areas,
particularly trade and hyrdrocarbons, and signed five pacts,
including one in the economic field.
During the talks between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh
and visiting Turkmenistan President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov,
India proposed to conduct a feasibility study on setting up a
gas-based fertilizer plant in Turkmenistan and the latter
agreed to take it forward.
The leaders also hoped that discussions on the proposed
Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline
project would continue with a view to realising it early.
Singh and Berdimuhamedov agreed that terrorism was one of
the main threats to security and sustainable development of
countries of the world and decided to cooperate against it.
The Turkmenistan President condemned the Mumbai attacks.
After the wide-ranging talks that covered bilateral
matters and regional and international issues of mutual
concern, the two sides signed an Agreement on Economic and
Trade Cooperation which the two leaders hoped would pave the
way for enhanced economic engagement.
They also signed a pact on Scientific and Technological
Cooperation, an Education Exchange Programme, an Agreement on
Exemption of Visas to Diplomatic Passport holders and a
Programme of Cooperation in the fields of Culture, Art, Mass
Media and Sports.
"The two leaders agreed on the existence of significant
potential in terms of increasing trade volumes between the two
countries," a joint statement issued after the talks said.
Singh and Berdimuhamedov agreed that the governments and
the Chambers of Commerce and Industry need to take necessary
measures to strengthen bilateral trade and economic
cooperation.
A joint study by designated agencies of the two
Governments and Chambers of Commerce and Industry was
recommended with a view to identifying measures, which would
deepen economic engagement, the statement said.
The leaders expressed satisfaction on the ongoing
discussions between the oil/natural gas companies of India and
Turkmenistan under the framework of the Joint Working Group on
Hydrocarbons and hoped this would create conditions necessary
for mutually beneficial cooperation in the hydrocarbon sector
of Turkmenistan.
It was agreed that the Ministers on both sides responsible
for oil and gas will take forward ideas for intensifying joint
efforts in various projects in that sector. PTI AKK
KAB
Pakistan Supreme Court's dismissal of appeals challenging the
release of Jamaat-ud-Daawa chief Hafiz Saeed from house
arrest, India Tuesday hoped that Islamabad will take
"meaningful action" to address its concerns.
"There is a sense of disappointment. I am sure
everybody in this country will share same sense of
disappointment on this development especially when we regard
Hafiz Saeed as one of the masterminds of the Mumbai terror
attacks and he has openly urged jihad against India," Foreign
Secretary Nirupama Rao said here.
Adding that enough evidence has been given to Pakistan
on role and activities of Saeed, she said, "Now since Pakistan
has assured us that it will not allow its territory to be used
against India, we hope Pakistan will be sensitive to our
efforts and take meaningful action."
Saeed, also the founder of the banned Lashker-e-Taiba
(LeT), was put under house arrest in December 2008 in the wake
of the Mumbai attacks after the UN Security Council declared
the JuD a front for the LeT.
The JuD chief challenged his detention in the Lahore
High Court.
Saeed was freed on June 2 last year by a three-judge
bench of the High Court that said that Punjab and federal
governments had failed to provide sufficient evidence to keep
him in custody.
Following pressure from India and the international
community, the federal and Punjab governments had challenged
the High Court's ruling in the apex court.
Pakistani leaders like Interior Minister Rehman Malik
and Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi have contended that
India has not provided any evidence that will allow
authorities to act against Saeed.
Home Minister P Chidambaram has maintained that India
has provided sufficient evidence against Saeed in several
dossiers handed over to Pakistani authorities. PTI PYK
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LD RATHORE
Rathore's sentence enhanced in Ruchika case, lodged in jail
Chandigarh, May 25 (PTI) Disgraced ex-Director General
of Police of Indian state Haryana SPS Rathore was Tuesday
jailed after he was arrested for the first time shortly after
a sessions court enhanced his prison term to 18 months for
molesting teenager Ruchika Girhotra--who later committed
suicide--20 years back.
Pronouncing the verdict in a packed court room,
Additional District and Sessions Judge Gurbir Singh dismissed
the appeal filed by 68-year-old Rathore challenging the six
month rigorous imprisonment after he was convicted in the
molestation of the 14-year-old budding tennis player.
The Central Bureau of Investigation and Ruchika's
family had also filed petitions seeking enhancement of the
sentence to maximum two years.
Rathore, who has been stripped of President's Police
medal after his conviction, was taken into custody by the CBI
within the court premises itself after he did not move out
after the pronouncement of the enhanced sentence.
Though the pronouncement was made at 2.15 pm, he kept
sitting in the court room with his wife and counsel Abha
moving an application seeking a copy of the judgment.
The court directed that Rathore be taken to the local
Burail Jail immediately following dismissal of his appeal and
enhancement of the sentence after which he was taken into
custody by the CBI.
After the sentencing, Rathore looked grim and his smirk
missing but put up a brave face telling reporters, "I will
keep smiling".
The CBI personnel took him out of the court premises at
about 3.20 pm and headed for the Burail Jail in a white Tavera
vehicle.
He entered the Jail through its massive iron gate at
about 3.35 pm and in all likelihood will spend the night
there.
His wife Abha was not present when Rathore entered the
jail as she stayed behind in the District Courts.
Welcoming the verdict, Ruchika's father SC Girhotra
said, "We are satisfied (with the Court's verdict) as justice
has been delivered."
However, Girhotra said the battle against Rathore
would continue till abetment to suicide charge against him is
proved. "We will continue to fight till he is charged under
section 306 of Indian Penal Code," he said.
The former top cop was sentenced to six months'
rigorous imprisonment on December 21 last year by CBI Judge J
S Sidhu for molesting Ruchika in Panchkula on August 12, 1990.
Three years after the incident, Ruchika committed
suicide by consuming poison.
The quantum of sentence had sparked an outrage in the
country.
Rathore had sought setting aside the trial court
verdict against him while Ruchika's family and the CBI had
pleaded for enhancement of punishment to the maximum of two
years provided in the law.
The court directed the jail superintendent to provide
proper medical care to Rathore, if required, following an
application by his lawyer-wife Abha that he was a heart
patient and required care.
The court allowed Rathore's plea for getting himself
examined at the cardiac care department of the Post Graduate
Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER).PTI VJ
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LD RATHORE 2 LST
The court witnessed some drama after the judge pronounced
his verdict.
Rathore sought the copy of the order through a petition
filed by his wife.
He intervened and told the court and the CBI officials,
who wanted to take him into custody, "My sentence has been
enhanced. I have my right to get the copy of the order.
Additional District and Sessions Judge Gurbir Singh told
the former top cop that there is no rule to give judgment
copy.
"The judgment has been passed on your appeal. You take
it from the Sessions Court after applying in the Copy Branch,"
the Judge said even as Rathore pressed for the copy.
Shortly after the Judge disallowed his application,
the CBI personnel took him out of the court premises.
Immediately on reaching the Burail Jail, the prison
Doctor was called by the Jail Superintendent to examine
Rathore.
Rathore appeared to be normal, a jail official said,
adding that the Jail Superintendent would take any decision
depending on the situation in which the former top cop is.
CBI counsel C S Sharma hailed the verdict saying the
agency was satisfied with the enhancement of the sentence to
18 months. PTI VJ
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CHINA-PATIL
India, China vow to use Patil's visit to deepen ties
New Delhi/Beijing, May 25 (PTI) As President of India
Pratibha Patil embarks on a six-day state visit to China on
Wednesday, the two countries pledged to utilise it to deepen
and expand their strategic cooperation.
Ahead of the first visit by an Indian Head of State to
China in a decade, Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao told
reporters in New Delhi, "It also signals our unequivocal
commitment to deepen and expand our Strategic and Cooperative
Partnership with China."
In Beijing, the President will have extensive talks with
her counterpart Hu Jintao, Rao said, adding she will also meet
with other seniormost Chinese leaders including Chairman of
the National People's Congress Wu Bangguo, Premier Wen Jiabao
and Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative
Conference Jia Qinglin.
"We are confident that Rashtrapatiji's visit will be
instrumental in re-affirming and enhancing the long-standing
ties of friendship between our two nations and our two
peoples," the Foreign Secretary said.
When asked whether India will take up contentious issues
such as issuance of stapled visas by China, involvement of
Chinese companies in various projects in Pakistan-occupied-
Kashmir and China's help to Pakistan in building two nuclear
reactors, Rao sad "all bilateral issues and the situation in
the region will be discussed."
But she also maintained that these issues were always
under discussion with the Chinese side to "safeguard our
legitimate concerns" and said the relationship between the two
countries should not be predicated on one or two issues alone.
"I would like to note that developing friendly
cooperation with China has been one of the priorities of our
foreign policy and we are pleased that our relations are
becoming truly multifaceted," she added.
On whether India would also seek support from China for
its bid for a UN Security Council seat during the forthcoming
visit, the Foreign Secretary said, "They have taken note of
our legitimate aspirations for a greater role in the UN and
more specifically, in the UNSC."
In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Jiang
Yu said, "We welcome President Patil's visit to China".
"With this opportunity we will deepen bilateral
understanding and cooperation to upgrade China and India
relations to a higher level," Jiang said. MORE PTI PYK/KJV
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.NEWDEL TAR070
CHINA-PATIL 2LST
Jiang said the visit is taking place when Sino-Indian
relations are developing in a "comprehensive and fast manner
as evidenced by frequent visits of high-level delegations to
each other's countries deepening the political mutual trust,
progress and cooperation in various fields in major
international and regional issues".
The visit of President, who is accompanied by Minister
of State for Food Processing Subodh Kant Sahay, three MPs and
a high-level official delegation, is also expected to give
boost to business ties between the two countries.
Bilateral trade between the two countries grew 34 per
cent in 2008 to touch USD 51.8 billion, though in 2009 it
slipped to USD 43.27 billion due to global recession.
During her visit, Patil would also travel to Loyang,
where the famous White Horse Buddhist temple was built in 68
AD when Buddhism was introduced in China by Chinese Monk
Xuanzan after a 17-year-long voyage.
As a gesture of goodwill and friendship, India has built
a Buddhist temple close to it, which Patil will inaugurate.
She will also travel to Shanghai and visit India and
China Pavilions at the Shanghai Expo. PTI PYK/KJV
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SC quashes appeals against 26/11 mastermind Saeed's release
Rezaul H Laskar
Islamabad, May 25 (PTI) Pakistan's Supreme Court Tuesday
dismissed appeals by the government against JuD chief Hafiz
Saeed's release from house arrest for want of evidence, in a
setback to India's efforts to nail him for his involvement in
Mumbai attacks.
The apex court upheld the Lahore High Court's last year
order to release Saeed from house arrest. The appeals against
the court's order to release Saeed were filed by the federal
and Punjab governments last year but could not be taken for
various technical reasons.
"The appeals are dismissed," said Justice Nasir-ul-Mulk,
the head of the three-judge bench that heard the matter today.
Saeed (60), also the founder of the banned LeT, was put
under house arrest in December 2008 in the wake of the Mumbai
attacks after the UN Security Council declared the JuD a front
for the Lashkar-e-Taiba.
After he challenged his detention in the Lahore High
Court, Saeed was freed on June 2 last year by a three-judge
bench that said the Punjab and federal governments had failed
to provide sufficient evidence to keep him in custody.
Following pressure from India and the international
community, the federal and Punjab governments challenged the
High Court's ruling in the apex court.
Differences between the federal and Punjab governments
and the change of certain legal officials of Punjab province
held up the matter in the apex court.
India believes Saeed is the mastermind of the 26/11
attacks that killed 166 people, including foreigners, and
carried out by the LeT. New Delhi has been demanding action
against him for his involvement.
But, Pakistan has been maintaining that India has not
provided any evidence that will allow authorities to act
against Saeed.
Top Indian leaders, including Prime Minister Manmohan
Singh, have expressed their disappointment over people like
Saeed "roaming freely" in Pakistan.
The Supreme Court bench also upheld the High Court's
order to free two of Saeed's close aides, Col (retired) Nazir
Ahmed and Maulana Amir Hamza.
Saeed's lawyer A K Dogar said the bench issued a short
order that said authorities had failed to produce any evidence
that linked the JuD chief to the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
"The prosecution failed to prove its case," Dogar told
PTI.
Dogar recalled that the Lahore High Court had ruled that
Saeed's detention in the wake of the Mumbai attacks was wrong
as there was no evidence against him.
"The appeals filed by the federal and Punjab governments
were pending for long. When they came up for hearing today,
the bench said the prosecution should take them back or
present their arguments. They made their arguments but could
not convince the judges," he said. (MORE) PTI RHL
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Additional Attorney General K K Agha, who appeared on
behalf of the federal government, said there were allegations
that Saeed was involved in the Mumbai attacks.
The government also had to take action against him
under UN Security Council resolutions, he said. The bench
asked Agha whether he had any fresh material against Saeed.
It also asked Agha whether Saeed had violated the law
of the land or indulged in any "objectionable activity" during
the past one year when he was not under house arrest.
Agha told the court that Saeed was living a "peaceful
life".
The bench then observed that the liberty of a citizen
is sacred and the law does not allow the detention of anyone
without a lawful reason.
Justice Jawad S Khwaja, another member of the bench,
said a person's right to freedom cannot be taken away on the
basis of mere assumption.
The bench said it was compelled to dismiss the appeals
as the government had failed to provide concrete evidence
against Saeed.
However, it said the government could file a fresh
appeal in future if it is able to produce any new evidence.
JuD spokesman Yahya Mujahid said the SC ruling also
lifted the stigma from the "charity group".
"With the grace of god, the court ruling in our favour
proves that JuD, its chief and its workers are not
terrorists," he was quoted as saying by the Associated Press.
Pakistani leaders like Interior Minister Rehman Malik
and Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi have contended that
India has not provided any evidence that will allow
authorities to act against Saeed.
Home Minister P Chidambaram has maintained that India
has provided sufficient evidence against Saeed in several
dossiers handed over to Pakistani authorities. PTI RHL
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UK's new govt to forge enhanced ties with India: Queen
H S Rao and Prasun Sonwalkar
London, May 25 (PTI) Britain's new Conservative-
Liberal Democrat coalition Government in its first policy
pronouncement Tuesday promised to "enhanced partnership" with
India but said that restrictions will be imposed on the entry
of non-EU immigrants.
Amidst royal pageantry and pomp, Queen Elizabeth II
set out the new Prime Minister David Cameron-led government's
legislative plans in the House of Lords, saying, "my
Government looks forward to enhanced partnership with India."
Outlining the government's priorities, the Queen
sporting 2,000 diamonds in her crown told the Parliament that
the new coalition government's priority will to be to reduce
Britain's deficit and restore growth to the struggling
economy.
The Queen's speech confirmed that the new government
will introduce fixed five-year parliamentary sessions as part
of far reaching political reforms.
"My government will propose parliamentary and
political reforms to restore trust in democratic institutions
and re-balance the relationship between the citizen and the
state", the Queen said.
Referring to the sensitive issue of immigration, she
said "my government will limit the number of non-European
Union economic migrants entering the United Kingdom and end
the detention of children for immigration purposes."
The Government has agreed that there should be an
annual limit to the number of non-EU economic migrants
admitted into the UK to live and work, which could come
as a major blow to immigrants from Asia, including India.
The mention about enhancing ties with India in the
Queen's Speech reiterated the commitment in the coalition
agreement to forge a 'new special relationship' with India.
But for the British Monarch it was for the first time
since the World War II that she outlined plans of a coalition
government, thrown up by the country's recent fractured
mandate.
She also came out with new government's major plans to
reform schools, police, welfare and on making the voting
system proportional, a major demand from the coalition partner
Lib-Dem.
The new government has also axed Labour's proposals
for ID cards, going in for next generation biometric
passports. Cutting the budget deficit and restoring growth
would be the new government's "first priority".
The new government has drawn up an 18-month programme
that includes steps to reduce Britain's record
163-billion-pound budget deficit. (MORE) PTI HSR/PS
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The Queen's speech confirmed that the new government
will introduce fixed five-year parliamentary sessions, hold a
referendum on making the voting system more proportional and
change the House of Lords from an appointed to an elected
chamber. But no date was indicated for the referendum on the
voting system.
Britain's government will also introduce legislation
that will ensure that public must be consulted on any future
transfer of national powers to the European Union.
It is the 56th time that the Queen has opened a new
session of Parliament during her reign and the first time that
she has outlined a Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition
programme for government.
Prime Minister David Cameron and Deputy Prime Minister
Nick Clegg walked together from 10 Downing Street to the
Commons, ignoring security fears to tread the streets with the
public.
Prime Minister's pregnant wife, Samantha was in the
gallery above the House of Lords with the Peers. The Queen
also announced majors to part privatise the Royal Mail.
There were few surprises in the 22 new bills and one
draft bill introduced in the new House, which include a
complex and controversial bill to cover parliamentary reform,
a subject on which all parties converge that action is needed
after last year's expenses scandal.
Each session of Parliament begins with this royal
address and covers the following year.
Usually, the Queen's Speech takes place in November,
but every time there is a general election, Parliament is
dissolved and the Queen's Speech takes place shortly after the
government comes to power.
Referring to immigration, the Queen said, "While it is
important that the UK attracts the brightest and the best
people who can make a real difference to the country's
economic growth, immigration is too high."
In the long term we should up-skill British workers
so that we do not need as many economic migrants to fill jobs.
"The Government will consult with business and other
interested sectors before taking final decisions on the
implementation mechanisms for these limits and the level at
which they should be set." PTI HSR/PS
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India, Turkmenistan to step up engagement in gas sector
New Delhi, May 25 (PTI) India and energy-rich Turkmenistan
Tuesday decided to step up engagement in a number of areas,
particularly trade and hyrdrocarbons, and signed five pacts,
including one in the economic field.
During the talks between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh
and visiting Turkmenistan President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov,
India proposed to conduct a feasibility study on setting up a
gas-based fertilizer plant in Turkmenistan and the latter
agreed to take it forward.
The leaders also hoped that discussions on the proposed
Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline
project would continue with a view to realising it early.
Singh and Berdimuhamedov agreed that terrorism was one of
the main threats to security and sustainable development of
countries of the world and decided to cooperate against it.
The Turkmenistan President condemned the Mumbai attacks.
After the wide-ranging talks that covered bilateral
matters and regional and international issues of mutual
concern, the two sides signed an Agreement on Economic and
Trade Cooperation which the two leaders hoped would pave the
way for enhanced economic engagement.
They also signed a pact on Scientific and Technological
Cooperation, an Education Exchange Programme, an Agreement on
Exemption of Visas to Diplomatic Passport holders and a
Programme of Cooperation in the fields of Culture, Art, Mass
Media and Sports.
"The two leaders agreed on the existence of significant
potential in terms of increasing trade volumes between the two
countries," a joint statement issued after the talks said.
Singh and Berdimuhamedov agreed that the governments and
the Chambers of Commerce and Industry need to take necessary
measures to strengthen bilateral trade and economic
cooperation.
A joint study by designated agencies of the two
Governments and Chambers of Commerce and Industry was
recommended with a view to identifying measures, which would
deepen economic engagement, the statement said.
The leaders expressed satisfaction on the ongoing
discussions between the oil/natural gas companies of India and
Turkmenistan under the framework of the Joint Working Group on
Hydrocarbons and hoped this would create conditions necessary
for mutually beneficial cooperation in the hydrocarbon sector
of Turkmenistan.
It was agreed that the Ministers on both sides responsible
for oil and gas will take forward ideas for intensifying joint
efforts in various projects in that sector. PTI AKK
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