29/06/2010
Asian Markets Slump On Concerns About China Growth (Report)
The markets across Asia ended trading session Tuesday sharply lower taking cues from China's Shanghai Market, where the index plunged more than 4% after the Conference Board stated that the leading indicators' index for April, released earlier on June 15, has been revised downwards to a gain of 0.3% against 1.7% growth reported in the earlier report. Concerns that the Chinese economy might face headwinds in near future, unable to sustain the growth momentum, also impacted markets across the region, leading to sharp declines.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
When Singh speaks, people listen: Obama
PTI
Praising the statesmanship of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and the rise of India, U.S. President Barack Obama on Sunday said he was “looking forward” and “excited” about visiting India with First Lady Michelle later this year.
Personally thanking Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and wife Gurcharan Kaur for their friendship, Mr. Obama also hoped his visit to India — scheduled for the early part of November — would be extremely productive for the two sides.
“It is a trip that I’m very much looking forward to,” said Mr. Obama, before holding talks with Dr. Singh after the conclusion of the G20 Summit that also saw the convergence of views expressed by India and the U.S.
“We are also just excited because of the tremendous cultural, as well as political and social and economic examples, that India is providing the world and has in the past,” said the U.S. president.
Mr. Obama, particularly, had a lot of praise for Dr. Singh.
“I can tell you that here at G20, when the prime minister speaks, people listen,” he said, adding it was because of his deep knowledge of economic issues, the nuances of India’s rise as a world power and its commitment towards global peace and prosperity.
The U.S. president also recalled that the State dinner hosted by him for Dr. Singh — the first for his presidency — was “wonderful” and that it had set the tone for India-U.S. ties that they had both termed as a strategic partnership.
“We want to make sure that in addition to government-to-government ties, we were initiating people-to-people ties,” he said, adding emphasis also remained on how to get the businesses of the two side to work together.
Dr. Singh, on his part, also praised Mr. Obama no length and said it was because of him that the strategic partnership between India and the U.S. was getting a new thrust, meaning and endeavour.
“You are a role model for millions and millions of people all over the world,” said the prime minister said of Mr. Obama, almost 30 years his junior. “Your life history is a history that inspires millions of people everywhere.”
Dr. Singh said it was his privilege to enjoy Mr. Obama’s friendship, and assured that he was waiting to welcome the US president and his family to India so that they could also see for themselves the transformations the nation was undergoing.
Praising the statesmanship of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and the rise of India, U.S. President Barack Obama on Sunday said he was “looking forward” and “excited” about visiting India with First Lady Michelle later this year.
Personally thanking Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and wife Gurcharan Kaur for their friendship, Mr. Obama also hoped his visit to India — scheduled for the early part of November — would be extremely productive for the two sides.
“It is a trip that I’m very much looking forward to,” said Mr. Obama, before holding talks with Dr. Singh after the conclusion of the G20 Summit that also saw the convergence of views expressed by India and the U.S.
“We are also just excited because of the tremendous cultural, as well as political and social and economic examples, that India is providing the world and has in the past,” said the U.S. president.
Mr. Obama, particularly, had a lot of praise for Dr. Singh.
“I can tell you that here at G20, when the prime minister speaks, people listen,” he said, adding it was because of his deep knowledge of economic issues, the nuances of India’s rise as a world power and its commitment towards global peace and prosperity.
The U.S. president also recalled that the State dinner hosted by him for Dr. Singh — the first for his presidency — was “wonderful” and that it had set the tone for India-U.S. ties that they had both termed as a strategic partnership.
“We want to make sure that in addition to government-to-government ties, we were initiating people-to-people ties,” he said, adding emphasis also remained on how to get the businesses of the two side to work together.
Dr. Singh, on his part, also praised Mr. Obama no length and said it was because of him that the strategic partnership between India and the U.S. was getting a new thrust, meaning and endeavour.
“You are a role model for millions and millions of people all over the world,” said the prime minister said of Mr. Obama, almost 30 years his junior. “Your life history is a history that inspires millions of people everywhere.”
Dr. Singh said it was his privilege to enjoy Mr. Obama’s friendship, and assured that he was waiting to welcome the US president and his family to India so that they could also see for themselves the transformations the nation was undergoing.
I'm one of the most watched scandal on YouTube: Nityananda
BANGALORE: Freed from the confines of prison, where he spent 53 days on charges of rape, self-styled godman Nityananda says the purported video footage of him with an actress has not affected him spiritually, but socially - 'from being one of the most watched gurus on YouTube to one of the most watched scandals.
'Spiritually nothing changes, because the truth is always the same. But socially I can say many things have changed. I used to be the one of the most watched guru on youtube - now I am one of the most watched scandal on YouTube!' the 32-year-old swami said.
The godman defended himself from 'media reported charges' of sexually exploiting gullible women, pointing out that over 23 lakh women have so far attended his programmes. 'In my ashram, I have female ashramites aged between eight and 80. Though CID issued repeated appeals since March this year, not a single woman has lodged any complaint so far.'
'Over 300 women come to the ashram each day for darshan and blessing', said the swami, whose ashram faces allegations of asking women devotees to sign an agreement stating that the course enrolled for could involve exposure to nudity.
He appeared in no hurry to clear his name. 'After three months, I think devotees and public are beginning to understand the truth. All their queries are being automatically answered. I think I can say I don't need to clear my image because in course of time the truth will emerge on its own strength.'
Nityananda felt spirituality has not entered deep enough into money, sex or politics.'
'We always have an idea that spirituality should be kept separate from regular activities. No! Only if spirituality penetrates every dimension of our life can even material life become sacred. And only then can planet Earth move to the next level of super consciousness', he said.
The 'godman' hit the headlines last March after a purported video footage showing him in a compromising position with a Tamil actress was aired on local TV channels.
Told that swamis being embroiled in controversies seemed the order of the day and asked when religion, money, sex and politics has got mixed, he said 'The problem is exactly the opposite! Religion - or rather, spirituality - has not entered deep enough into money, sex or politics'.
Asked whether the incident had made him mentally stronger, Nityananda Swami,who reportedly spent hours meditating in prison, said 'I can say all devotees who survived so much sensationalism have emerged stronger. It has been a tremendous learning experience for all.'
Nityananda Swami does not appear to hold a grudge against those who distanced themselves from him following legal wrangles. 'Any individual handles a life situation according to his own intelligence and understanding', he said.
'So some people got carried away by rumours. Those who experienced the truth around me stayed strong throughout. Some were shaken, but are bouncing back as the rumours are being cleared', he said.
The alleged video had allegedly been shot by his driver Lenin, who is being questioned by police.
'Let us move towards peace and positivity. Let us work towards a world where there is space for everyone to coexist peacefully. Let us live and let live', he said.
Reiterating his philosophy that inner peace, freedom and contentment were not results of any favourable conditions, but of perception, he said he perceived little difference in the days spent in prison and ashram.
'When you clutch onto one place, one lifestyle, one set of people as your own, all other places become alien for you. When no place is your own, all places are yours!', he said.
'Physically there may be some hardship in prison life, but mentally I am always free, always blissful. Your outer freedom can be taken away, but your inner freedom is always your own choice', said the swami
Asked whether his prison stay would impact his missionary goals, Nityananda who has several followers all over the globe said 'The mission is poised for a giant leap. Between the mission as it was and what is going to happen now, I can say these few months are nothing more than a small 'intermission.'
My mission never changes- to raise spiritual consciousness of our planet and create a harmonious world through yoga and meditation.
'Whether happens through words or silence, let the Divine decide', he said when asked of plans to continue his missionary goals in the face of a court directive restraining him from preaching.
'My concern is for my ashramites, devotees and seekers who chose this path and want to receive spiritual guidance. I feel their suffering. But I shall abide by the High Court direction', said the swami who has now sought relaxation of bail conditions.
He reiterated his trust in truth and prevalence of justice. 'Satyameva jayate - Truth alone triumphs. Clouds can only hide the sun, they cannot destroy it! Yes I believe in the judicial system. Ultimately, justice will prevail', he said
'Spiritually nothing changes, because the truth is always the same. But socially I can say many things have changed. I used to be the one of the most watched guru on youtube - now I am one of the most watched scandal on YouTube!' the 32-year-old swami said.
The godman defended himself from 'media reported charges' of sexually exploiting gullible women, pointing out that over 23 lakh women have so far attended his programmes. 'In my ashram, I have female ashramites aged between eight and 80. Though CID issued repeated appeals since March this year, not a single woman has lodged any complaint so far.'
'Over 300 women come to the ashram each day for darshan and blessing', said the swami, whose ashram faces allegations of asking women devotees to sign an agreement stating that the course enrolled for could involve exposure to nudity.
He appeared in no hurry to clear his name. 'After three months, I think devotees and public are beginning to understand the truth. All their queries are being automatically answered. I think I can say I don't need to clear my image because in course of time the truth will emerge on its own strength.'
Nityananda felt spirituality has not entered deep enough into money, sex or politics.'
'We always have an idea that spirituality should be kept separate from regular activities. No! Only if spirituality penetrates every dimension of our life can even material life become sacred. And only then can planet Earth move to the next level of super consciousness', he said.
The 'godman' hit the headlines last March after a purported video footage showing him in a compromising position with a Tamil actress was aired on local TV channels.
Told that swamis being embroiled in controversies seemed the order of the day and asked when religion, money, sex and politics has got mixed, he said 'The problem is exactly the opposite! Religion - or rather, spirituality - has not entered deep enough into money, sex or politics'.
Asked whether the incident had made him mentally stronger, Nityananda Swami,who reportedly spent hours meditating in prison, said 'I can say all devotees who survived so much sensationalism have emerged stronger. It has been a tremendous learning experience for all.'
Nityananda Swami does not appear to hold a grudge against those who distanced themselves from him following legal wrangles. 'Any individual handles a life situation according to his own intelligence and understanding', he said.
'So some people got carried away by rumours. Those who experienced the truth around me stayed strong throughout. Some were shaken, but are bouncing back as the rumours are being cleared', he said.
The alleged video had allegedly been shot by his driver Lenin, who is being questioned by police.
'Let us move towards peace and positivity. Let us work towards a world where there is space for everyone to coexist peacefully. Let us live and let live', he said.
Reiterating his philosophy that inner peace, freedom and contentment were not results of any favourable conditions, but of perception, he said he perceived little difference in the days spent in prison and ashram.
'When you clutch onto one place, one lifestyle, one set of people as your own, all other places become alien for you. When no place is your own, all places are yours!', he said.
'Physically there may be some hardship in prison life, but mentally I am always free, always blissful. Your outer freedom can be taken away, but your inner freedom is always your own choice', said the swami
Asked whether his prison stay would impact his missionary goals, Nityananda who has several followers all over the globe said 'The mission is poised for a giant leap. Between the mission as it was and what is going to happen now, I can say these few months are nothing more than a small 'intermission.'
My mission never changes- to raise spiritual consciousness of our planet and create a harmonious world through yoga and meditation.
'Whether happens through words or silence, let the Divine decide', he said when asked of plans to continue his missionary goals in the face of a court directive restraining him from preaching.
'My concern is for my ashramites, devotees and seekers who chose this path and want to receive spiritual guidance. I feel their suffering. But I shall abide by the High Court direction', said the swami who has now sought relaxation of bail conditions.
He reiterated his trust in truth and prevalence of justice. 'Satyameva jayate - Truth alone triumphs. Clouds can only hide the sun, they cannot destroy it! Yes I believe in the judicial system. Ultimately, justice will prevail', he said
India, Canada sign civil nuclear deal
Toronto:Ending a 36-year-old freeze in nuclear cooperation, Canada signed a landmark civil nuclear deal with India with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh assuring that imported uranium and atomic technology will not be used for 'any unintended purpose.' Singh said the nuclear cooperation pact 'breaks new grounds' in the history of Indo-Canadian cooperation in the atomic sector while his Canadian counterpart Stephen Harper called it a good agreement because 'we cannot live in the past of 1970s'.
The agreement signed in the presence of Singh and Harper came 36 years after Canada halted nuclear cooperation with India and slapped sanctions after it exploded a nuclear bomb in 1974 for which Canadian-designed reactors were used. Singh and Harper also provided eassurances that there were adequate safeguards in the civilian deal. The agreement will enable India to import Canadian atomic equipment and technology and secure uranium by providing the Canadian nuclear industry access to theexpanding multi-billion dollar Indian nuclear market. The possibility of having joint ventures will also be explored.
Canada is the eighth nation to reach a civil nuclear deal with India since the Nuclear Suppliers' Group, a cartel which trades in nuclear fuel, equipment and technology, lifted a 34-year ban on India in 2008. US, France and Russia are among the countries with which India has civil nuclear pacts. 'We have complete civilian control and there is no scope whatsoever for any nuclear material or equipment being
supplied going for any unintended purpose,' Singh told a joint press conference with Harper after the agreement was signed by Srikumar Banerjee, Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy and host Foreign Minister Lawrence Cannon.
'Nuclear material supplied to India will be fully safeguarded in terms of agreement signed with IAEA. We have fool-proof system of export controls,' Singh said 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. Singh the first Indian Head of the Government to visit Canada after I K Gujral's trip here 16 years ago, said the agreement 'breaks new grounds' in the history of bilateral cooperation in the sector.
'It reflects the change in International realities and will open new doors for mutually beneficial cooperation in nuclear technology,' he added.
In an apparent reference to sanctions imposed by Canada on India after the Pokhran-I and Pokhran-II atomic tests in 1974 and 1998, Harper said his country cannot live in the past. 'We cannot live as a country in 1970s. We have got assurances of safeguards in place in relation to the nuclear cooperation which is bigger than in the past. India is very important in the future. It shares with us many ideals,' he
said. A joint statement issued at the end of the Singh-Harper meeting on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit said the two Prime
Ministers committed themselves to the ratification of the nuclear agreement and completion of all remaining steps necessary to ensure its early implementation. The two leaders also strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and agreed to direct their respective governments toward greater cooperation in counter-terrorism and security related matters.
Singh also made it clear to Canada and the Sikh community that the Canadian soil should not be allowed to be used for promoting extremism against India and hoped the government here was 'alive to what is happening'. PTI
The agreement signed in the presence of Singh and Harper came 36 years after Canada halted nuclear cooperation with India and slapped sanctions after it exploded a nuclear bomb in 1974 for which Canadian-designed reactors were used. Singh and Harper also provided eassurances that there were adequate safeguards in the civilian deal. The agreement will enable India to import Canadian atomic equipment and technology and secure uranium by providing the Canadian nuclear industry access to theexpanding multi-billion dollar Indian nuclear market. The possibility of having joint ventures will also be explored.
Canada is the eighth nation to reach a civil nuclear deal with India since the Nuclear Suppliers' Group, a cartel which trades in nuclear fuel, equipment and technology, lifted a 34-year ban on India in 2008. US, France and Russia are among the countries with which India has civil nuclear pacts. 'We have complete civilian control and there is no scope whatsoever for any nuclear material or equipment being
supplied going for any unintended purpose,' Singh told a joint press conference with Harper after the agreement was signed by Srikumar Banerjee, Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy and host Foreign Minister Lawrence Cannon.
'Nuclear material supplied to India will be fully safeguarded in terms of agreement signed with IAEA. We have fool-proof system of export controls,' Singh said 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. Singh the first Indian Head of the Government to visit Canada after I K Gujral's trip here 16 years ago, said the agreement 'breaks new grounds' in the history of bilateral cooperation in the sector.
'It reflects the change in International realities and will open new doors for mutually beneficial cooperation in nuclear technology,' he added.
In an apparent reference to sanctions imposed by Canada on India after the Pokhran-I and Pokhran-II atomic tests in 1974 and 1998, Harper said his country cannot live in the past. 'We cannot live as a country in 1970s. We have got assurances of safeguards in place in relation to the nuclear cooperation which is bigger than in the past. India is very important in the future. It shares with us many ideals,' he
said. A joint statement issued at the end of the Singh-Harper meeting on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit said the two Prime
Ministers committed themselves to the ratification of the nuclear agreement and completion of all remaining steps necessary to ensure its early implementation. The two leaders also strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and agreed to direct their respective governments toward greater cooperation in counter-terrorism and security related matters.
Singh also made it clear to Canada and the Sikh community that the Canadian soil should not be allowed to be used for promoting extremism against India and hoped the government here was 'alive to what is happening'. PTI
Reliance Communication in Rs 50,000 Cr telecom tower deal
PTI
Anil Ambani group today announced a Rs 50,000-cr deal to merge its telecom tower business with GTL infrastructure, a move that would help RCom cut down its debts by more than half.
The Boards of RCom, its subsidiary Reliance Infratel Ltd. and GTL Infrastructure today in-principle approved a Rs 50,000-crore (USD 11 billion) deal to create the world’s largest independent telecom infrastructure company, neither owned nor controlled by any telecom operator, the company said in a statement.
RCom in a statement said that the cash infusion and equity swap ratio would be decided in due course of time.
Sources close to the deal said that the deal would help RCom reduce its Rs 33,000-crore debt by Rs 18,000 crore.
The deal comes soon after the warring Ambani brothers called off their five-year-long dispute and scrapped the non-compete agreement between the two.
This transformational deal will be implemented through a demerger of RINFRATEL’s tower assets into GTL INFRA, it added.
India’s largest optic fibre network of over 200,000 kms and related assets owned by RINFRATEL will remain under RCom’s ownership.
Earlier this month, the RCom Board had separately in-principle approved a proposal for induction of strategic and/or private equity investors for a 26 per cent shareholding in the company at an appropriate premium to the prevailing market price, and/or appropriate consolidation / combination options, and those discussions are continuing.
Elaborating on the deal structure, the company said that the cash infusion into RCom will lead to substantial reduction of its consolidated gross debt and improved leverage ratios, which in turn would result in enhanced financial flexibility.
Besides, the two million shareholders of RCom would get free listed shares of the merged entity, the ratio for which will be decided soon.
“Details of the quantum of cash infusion to RCom, and the share swap ratios for RCom and RINFRATEL minority shareholders will be finalised in due course with the help of independent valuers and advisors,” an ADAG statement said.
Upon closing itself, the merged entity will have over 80,000 towers and over 1,25,000 tenancies from over 10 telecom operators, such as Reliance Communications, Aircel, Etisalat DB Telecom, MTS, Uninor Telecom, Videocon Mobile, Tata Teleservices, Vodafone, S Tel. In addition, the merged entity will have a firm option on additional 75,000 tenancies from leading players.
Based on the developments in the Indian telecom sector, including inter alia, and the likely future demand for telecom infrastructure across the country from 14 players in 2G, and winners in the recent auction for 3G (9 players) and BWA (Broadband Wireless Access — 8 players), the merged entity is expected to derive substantially higher tenancy ratios, apart from scale benefits and operational synergies.
The interests of RCom as the largest tenant of the merged entity will be adequately protected through appropriate contractual arrangements.
The proposed transaction is subject to receipt of all necessary approvals, customary due diligence, definitive documentation, among others. It is anticipated that, barring unforeseen circumstances, the transaction will achieve final closing over the next 6 months.
Anil Ambani group today announced a Rs 50,000-cr deal to merge its telecom tower business with GTL infrastructure, a move that would help RCom cut down its debts by more than half.
The Boards of RCom, its subsidiary Reliance Infratel Ltd. and GTL Infrastructure today in-principle approved a Rs 50,000-crore (USD 11 billion) deal to create the world’s largest independent telecom infrastructure company, neither owned nor controlled by any telecom operator, the company said in a statement.
RCom in a statement said that the cash infusion and equity swap ratio would be decided in due course of time.
Sources close to the deal said that the deal would help RCom reduce its Rs 33,000-crore debt by Rs 18,000 crore.
The deal comes soon after the warring Ambani brothers called off their five-year-long dispute and scrapped the non-compete agreement between the two.
This transformational deal will be implemented through a demerger of RINFRATEL’s tower assets into GTL INFRA, it added.
India’s largest optic fibre network of over 200,000 kms and related assets owned by RINFRATEL will remain under RCom’s ownership.
Earlier this month, the RCom Board had separately in-principle approved a proposal for induction of strategic and/or private equity investors for a 26 per cent shareholding in the company at an appropriate premium to the prevailing market price, and/or appropriate consolidation / combination options, and those discussions are continuing.
Elaborating on the deal structure, the company said that the cash infusion into RCom will lead to substantial reduction of its consolidated gross debt and improved leverage ratios, which in turn would result in enhanced financial flexibility.
Besides, the two million shareholders of RCom would get free listed shares of the merged entity, the ratio for which will be decided soon.
“Details of the quantum of cash infusion to RCom, and the share swap ratios for RCom and RINFRATEL minority shareholders will be finalised in due course with the help of independent valuers and advisors,” an ADAG statement said.
Upon closing itself, the merged entity will have over 80,000 towers and over 1,25,000 tenancies from over 10 telecom operators, such as Reliance Communications, Aircel, Etisalat DB Telecom, MTS, Uninor Telecom, Videocon Mobile, Tata Teleservices, Vodafone, S Tel. In addition, the merged entity will have a firm option on additional 75,000 tenancies from leading players.
Based on the developments in the Indian telecom sector, including inter alia, and the likely future demand for telecom infrastructure across the country from 14 players in 2G, and winners in the recent auction for 3G (9 players) and BWA (Broadband Wireless Access — 8 players), the merged entity is expected to derive substantially higher tenancy ratios, apart from scale benefits and operational synergies.
The interests of RCom as the largest tenant of the merged entity will be adequately protected through appropriate contractual arrangements.
The proposed transaction is subject to receipt of all necessary approvals, customary due diligence, definitive documentation, among others. It is anticipated that, barring unforeseen circumstances, the transaction will achieve final closing over the next 6 months.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Pakistan for cooperation between FIA, CBI over terrorism, 26/11
June 27, 2010
Islamabad: Singalling a step forward, Pakistan Saturday indicated its willingness to provide voice samples of the handlers of the Mumbai attacks and said that the investigating agencies of the two countries will work together to prevent any future 26/11-like attack.
Turning the spotlight firmly on its continuing concerns over cross-border terror, India conveyed to Pakistan that more people were behind the Mumabi terror spree and asked for "visible" action against those involved in 26/11 that led to the suspension of the composite dialogue between the two countries.
In a joint press interaction with Indian Home Minister P. Chidambaram, Pakistan’s Interior Minister Rehman Malik suggested that its Federal Investigating Agency (FIA) and India’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) work together on the issue of terrorism, including on the Mumbai terror attack.
"We will like our FIA and CBI to interact with each other in matters of terrorism including the Mumbai attacks," Malik said.
"We have resolved together that both agencies from India and Pakistan will be working together and we will not allow any such incident in future," he replied when asked about India’s contention that another 26/11 would derail the resumed dialogue process.
Both ministers struck a positive and hopeful note on the course of future engagement.
"I will leave tomorrow with the conviction that we have both exchanged views, we both understand the requirements of the situation," said Chidambaram about his talks with Malik here Friday evening.
"We both agreed that we shall address the situation with seriousness it deserves. So I go back with confidence that the outcome of our meeting and interaction will be very good for both the countries," he said.
"Nobody is questioning anyone’s intention. It is the outcome that will decide whether we have the right track," Chidambaram replied when asked about the slow pace of the probe and trial by Pakistan in the 26/11 case.
"Let the outcomes be visible. We have agreed that there are certain outcomes we are looking forward to."
Malik, on his part, promised to bring the Mumbai trial to its logical conclusion. "Our resolve is against terrorism and the resolve is to take the Mumbai attack terrorists, criminals to their logical conclusion."
"We are both against the acts of terrorism and we will work together to clear this menace in this region," he said.
Addressing a press conference separately, Malik said that Pakistan "will provide every possible assistance in addition to what you are talking about - voice samples".
In a hard-hitting reminder to Pakistan to come clean on the Mumbai attacks, Chidambaram said: "We think more people were behind the Mumbai attack and more people should be prosecuted."
"That point has been made to the Pakistan government and I wish to remain positive on the outcome of the meeting with Rehman Malik," he said.
Without going into specifics, Malik told journalists: "What we have discussed we should have discussed. The idea is to strike heavily against terrorists. We will take India into confidence."
Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, who had a separate meeting with Chidambaram, assured India that his country would move with "full force" against terrorists.
Saying terrorists wanted to derail the dialogue between India and Pakistan, he said: "We ourselves are victims of terrorism. We should join hands to defeat the common enemy."
India called off the dialogue with Pakistan after the November 26-29, 2008 Mumbai carnage that killed 166 Indians and foreigners and which New Delhi blamed on Pakistani terrorists.
After initially denying any Pakistani link to Mumbai, in which one Pakistani terrorist was caught alive, Islamabad later blamed "non-state" actors.
Chidambaram did not elaborate on what he and Malik had discussed one-on-one.
"We know seven people are being prosecuted (for Mumbai). How far this prosecution has proceeded, this is for Pakistan to tell," he said, while noting that the trial scheduled for Saturday had been adjourned for a week.
"I have conveyed whatever was unnecessary to my Pakistani counterpart, and he has conveyed whatever was necessary.
"We spoke with each other. We spoke directly to each other, and I am confident that something good will emerge out of that meeting. So, let us try to remain positive."
Pakistan, too, stressed the need to remain positive ahead of next month’s meeting between the Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers, S.M. Krishna and Qureshi, in Islamabad.
Qureshi said when India suspended the dialogue with Pakistan following the Mumbai attack, the net beneficiaries were the terrorists.
"It is in our mutual interest to have tangible progress, and we will make tangible progress," he said. "I am confident these meetings will develop into positive outcomes."
In his discussions with Malik, Chidambaram impressed upon his host to address India’s core concerns over terrorism with the seriousness they deserve and asked Islamabad to take concrete action against the Mumbai attackers and their handlers in Pakistan.
Building on the June 24 talks between the two foreign secretaries in Islamabad, Chidambaram sought concrete action against Pakistani terrorist Hafiz Saeed, the alleged mastermind of 26/11, he sought the evidence presented by the Pakistan government against Saeed. Islamabad had earlier cited legal grounds due to which Saeed could not be prosecuted.
Islamabad: Singalling a step forward, Pakistan Saturday indicated its willingness to provide voice samples of the handlers of the Mumbai attacks and said that the investigating agencies of the two countries will work together to prevent any future 26/11-like attack.
Turning the spotlight firmly on its continuing concerns over cross-border terror, India conveyed to Pakistan that more people were behind the Mumabi terror spree and asked for "visible" action against those involved in 26/11 that led to the suspension of the composite dialogue between the two countries.
In a joint press interaction with Indian Home Minister P. Chidambaram, Pakistan’s Interior Minister Rehman Malik suggested that its Federal Investigating Agency (FIA) and India’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) work together on the issue of terrorism, including on the Mumbai terror attack.
"We will like our FIA and CBI to interact with each other in matters of terrorism including the Mumbai attacks," Malik said.
"We have resolved together that both agencies from India and Pakistan will be working together and we will not allow any such incident in future," he replied when asked about India’s contention that another 26/11 would derail the resumed dialogue process.
Both ministers struck a positive and hopeful note on the course of future engagement.
"I will leave tomorrow with the conviction that we have both exchanged views, we both understand the requirements of the situation," said Chidambaram about his talks with Malik here Friday evening.
"We both agreed that we shall address the situation with seriousness it deserves. So I go back with confidence that the outcome of our meeting and interaction will be very good for both the countries," he said.
"Nobody is questioning anyone’s intention. It is the outcome that will decide whether we have the right track," Chidambaram replied when asked about the slow pace of the probe and trial by Pakistan in the 26/11 case.
"Let the outcomes be visible. We have agreed that there are certain outcomes we are looking forward to."
Malik, on his part, promised to bring the Mumbai trial to its logical conclusion. "Our resolve is against terrorism and the resolve is to take the Mumbai attack terrorists, criminals to their logical conclusion."
"We are both against the acts of terrorism and we will work together to clear this menace in this region," he said.
Addressing a press conference separately, Malik said that Pakistan "will provide every possible assistance in addition to what you are talking about - voice samples".
In a hard-hitting reminder to Pakistan to come clean on the Mumbai attacks, Chidambaram said: "We think more people were behind the Mumbai attack and more people should be prosecuted."
"That point has been made to the Pakistan government and I wish to remain positive on the outcome of the meeting with Rehman Malik," he said.
Without going into specifics, Malik told journalists: "What we have discussed we should have discussed. The idea is to strike heavily against terrorists. We will take India into confidence."
Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, who had a separate meeting with Chidambaram, assured India that his country would move with "full force" against terrorists.
Saying terrorists wanted to derail the dialogue between India and Pakistan, he said: "We ourselves are victims of terrorism. We should join hands to defeat the common enemy."
India called off the dialogue with Pakistan after the November 26-29, 2008 Mumbai carnage that killed 166 Indians and foreigners and which New Delhi blamed on Pakistani terrorists.
After initially denying any Pakistani link to Mumbai, in which one Pakistani terrorist was caught alive, Islamabad later blamed "non-state" actors.
Chidambaram did not elaborate on what he and Malik had discussed one-on-one.
"We know seven people are being prosecuted (for Mumbai). How far this prosecution has proceeded, this is for Pakistan to tell," he said, while noting that the trial scheduled for Saturday had been adjourned for a week.
"I have conveyed whatever was unnecessary to my Pakistani counterpart, and he has conveyed whatever was necessary.
"We spoke with each other. We spoke directly to each other, and I am confident that something good will emerge out of that meeting. So, let us try to remain positive."
Pakistan, too, stressed the need to remain positive ahead of next month’s meeting between the Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers, S.M. Krishna and Qureshi, in Islamabad.
Qureshi said when India suspended the dialogue with Pakistan following the Mumbai attack, the net beneficiaries were the terrorists.
"It is in our mutual interest to have tangible progress, and we will make tangible progress," he said. "I am confident these meetings will develop into positive outcomes."
In his discussions with Malik, Chidambaram impressed upon his host to address India’s core concerns over terrorism with the seriousness they deserve and asked Islamabad to take concrete action against the Mumbai attackers and their handlers in Pakistan.
Building on the June 24 talks between the two foreign secretaries in Islamabad, Chidambaram sought concrete action against Pakistani terrorist Hafiz Saeed, the alleged mastermind of 26/11, he sought the evidence presented by the Pakistan government against Saeed. Islamabad had earlier cited legal grounds due to which Saeed could not be prosecuted.
Friday, June 25, 2010
India to Pakistan: Time for dossiers over, act against Saeed
Islamabad/New Delhi: A day after their foreign secretary-level talks focused on trust-building measures, India Friday turned the spotlight on terror and asked Pakistan to act urgently on the dossiers provided by New Delhi, saying there was enough material to move against Mumbai terror mastermind Hafiz Saeed.
Home Minister P. Chidambaram, the first Indian minister to visit Pakistan since the 26/11 terror attack and the first Indian home minister to visit Islamabad in decades, held wide-ranging talks focused on the Mumbai attacks with his Pakistani counterpart Rehman Malik at the interior ministry in Islamabad.
Chidambaram also met Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi.
Signalling a distinct easing of ties strained after the 26/11 attacks, Malik went to the Chaklala Air Base in Rawalpindi and personally received Chidambaram, who was wearing his trademark spotless white shirt and dhoti. He was accorded a red carpet welcome and presented a ceremonial Guard of Honour.
Chidambaram is to participate in the SAARC home ministers' conference in Islamabad Saturday.
The Chidambaram-Malik talks lasted for nearly one and a half hour, but it ended without any announcement to the media. The sources said the bilateral talks between the two ministers may continue Saturday on the margins of the SAARC conference.
In his discussions with Malik, official sources said, Chidambaram impressed upon his host to address India's core concerns over terrorism with the seriousness they deserve and asked Pakistan to take demonstrable action against the Mumbai attackers and their handlers in Pakistan.
Building on Thursday's foreign secretary-level talks that were held in the spirit of the Thimphu thaw to bridge the trust deficit, Chidambaram underlined that India has given enough dossiers - an 11th was given a few days ago - and it was time for Pakistan to act and bring the perpetrators of the Mumbai carnage swiftly to justice.
Stressing on concrete action against Saeed, the founder of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terror group, Chidambaram sought the evidence presented by the Pakistan government against Saeed as Islamabad had earlier cited legal difficulties in prosecuting the anti-India ideologue. He also sought voice samples of the Pakistani handlers of the 10 Pakistani terrorists who stormed Mumbai Nov 26-29, 2008 that left 166 people, including 26 foreigners, dead and took up the recent spike in infiltration in Jammu and Kashmir.
However, unlike the foreign secretary level talks that were seen as exploratory trust-building exercise, Chidambaram reverted to a hardline on terror, underlining that if Islamabad continued to drag its feet over taking action against the 26/11 attackers and their handlers, no meaningful progress in relations can be made.
The two ministers began bilateral talks, with Malik saying that they are meeting with an 'open heart'.
'We are meeting with an open heart,' Malik told Pakistani reporters before Chidambaram flew into Islamabad.
Before leaving for Islamabad, Chidambaram made it clear that he will tell 'politely, but firmly' that the time has come to address issues concerning the Mumbai attack.
'I will use the opportunity to bring home to Pakistan the gravity of issues and the need for response that is appropriate to the gravity of the situation,' he said in New Delhi.
'It has been 18 months since I took over. The time has come to address these issues (regarding the Mumbai attack) with seriousness that they warrant. That is what I am going to tell them politely, but firmly,' Chidambaram said.
In an interview to Times Now TV news channel in New Delhi before leaving for Islamabad, Chidambaram said unambiguously that the time for giving dossiers was over and asked the Pakistani leadership to act against its nationals, including Hafiz Saeed. He also ruled out any dilution of India's stand on terrorism.
'I am not going there to score debating points. I am going to ask the Pakistani leadership to deliberate on the material that has been given and take appropriate action,' Chidambaram said.
Malik, on his part, said he would satisfy India's concerns over Hafiz Saeed and terrorism.
'Let's exchange hearts and not dossiers. We are meeting with a clean state,' Malik said in Islamabad before holding talks with Chidambaram.
The foreign-secretary level talks and the meeting between the home ministers will prepare the stage for the meeting between Indian External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna and his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mehmood Qureshi July 15.
Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao held talks with her Pakistani counterpart Salman Bashir in Islamabad Thursday.
Home Minister P. Chidambaram, the first Indian minister to visit Pakistan since the 26/11 terror attack and the first Indian home minister to visit Islamabad in decades, held wide-ranging talks focused on the Mumbai attacks with his Pakistani counterpart Rehman Malik at the interior ministry in Islamabad.
Chidambaram also met Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi.
Signalling a distinct easing of ties strained after the 26/11 attacks, Malik went to the Chaklala Air Base in Rawalpindi and personally received Chidambaram, who was wearing his trademark spotless white shirt and dhoti. He was accorded a red carpet welcome and presented a ceremonial Guard of Honour.
Chidambaram is to participate in the SAARC home ministers' conference in Islamabad Saturday.
The Chidambaram-Malik talks lasted for nearly one and a half hour, but it ended without any announcement to the media. The sources said the bilateral talks between the two ministers may continue Saturday on the margins of the SAARC conference.
In his discussions with Malik, official sources said, Chidambaram impressed upon his host to address India's core concerns over terrorism with the seriousness they deserve and asked Pakistan to take demonstrable action against the Mumbai attackers and their handlers in Pakistan.
Building on Thursday's foreign secretary-level talks that were held in the spirit of the Thimphu thaw to bridge the trust deficit, Chidambaram underlined that India has given enough dossiers - an 11th was given a few days ago - and it was time for Pakistan to act and bring the perpetrators of the Mumbai carnage swiftly to justice.
Stressing on concrete action against Saeed, the founder of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terror group, Chidambaram sought the evidence presented by the Pakistan government against Saeed as Islamabad had earlier cited legal difficulties in prosecuting the anti-India ideologue. He also sought voice samples of the Pakistani handlers of the 10 Pakistani terrorists who stormed Mumbai Nov 26-29, 2008 that left 166 people, including 26 foreigners, dead and took up the recent spike in infiltration in Jammu and Kashmir.
However, unlike the foreign secretary level talks that were seen as exploratory trust-building exercise, Chidambaram reverted to a hardline on terror, underlining that if Islamabad continued to drag its feet over taking action against the 26/11 attackers and their handlers, no meaningful progress in relations can be made.
The two ministers began bilateral talks, with Malik saying that they are meeting with an 'open heart'.
'We are meeting with an open heart,' Malik told Pakistani reporters before Chidambaram flew into Islamabad.
Before leaving for Islamabad, Chidambaram made it clear that he will tell 'politely, but firmly' that the time has come to address issues concerning the Mumbai attack.
'I will use the opportunity to bring home to Pakistan the gravity of issues and the need for response that is appropriate to the gravity of the situation,' he said in New Delhi.
'It has been 18 months since I took over. The time has come to address these issues (regarding the Mumbai attack) with seriousness that they warrant. That is what I am going to tell them politely, but firmly,' Chidambaram said.
In an interview to Times Now TV news channel in New Delhi before leaving for Islamabad, Chidambaram said unambiguously that the time for giving dossiers was over and asked the Pakistani leadership to act against its nationals, including Hafiz Saeed. He also ruled out any dilution of India's stand on terrorism.
'I am not going there to score debating points. I am going to ask the Pakistani leadership to deliberate on the material that has been given and take appropriate action,' Chidambaram said.
Malik, on his part, said he would satisfy India's concerns over Hafiz Saeed and terrorism.
'Let's exchange hearts and not dossiers. We are meeting with a clean state,' Malik said in Islamabad before holding talks with Chidambaram.
The foreign-secretary level talks and the meeting between the home ministers will prepare the stage for the meeting between Indian External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna and his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mehmood Qureshi July 15.
Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao held talks with her Pakistani counterpart Salman Bashir in Islamabad Thursday.
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