M A I N   N E W S

US strikes to figure in Sonia-Powell talks
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, October 16
The Congress today indicated that all aspects of the military engagement in Afghanistan, including the global fight against terrorism, would figure in talks between US Secreatry of State, Colin Powell and Congress President Sonia Gandhi.

Briefing newspersons after a two-hour long informal meeting of the Congress Working Committee here this evening, the AICC member from Punjab, Ms Ambika Soni did not rule out a discussion on Mr Powell’s controversial remarks on Kashmir being central to a dialogue and relationship between India and Pakistan. 

Ms Soni said senior leaders K. Natwar Singh, Manmohan Singh and Pranab Mukharjee were also expected to be present during the interaction with Mr Powell.

Replying to a question on the BJP’s pro-active policy on Kashmir and the action taken by Indian security forces in two sectors of Jammmu and Kashmir, Ms Soni said, “The Army is charged with the responsibility of defending the borders of the country. We have faith in its assessment.”

She said the CWC reviewed the situation in the region in the wake of US attacks on Afghanistan. The members expressed pain and anguish over the killing of innocent civilians in Afghanistan.

The CWC also called upon the government to provide humanitarian assistance to victims of bombings. The committee endorsed its president’s views on terrorism. In her speech at Lucknow yesterday, Ms Sonia Gandhi had said the party had suffered the worst at the hands of militants. While assessing the killings in Afghanistan, the CWC said terrorism had no religion.

US Congressmen write to PM
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, October 16
Appreciating India’s anti-terrorism capabilities as among the best in the world, 49 US Congressmen have written to Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee expressing their strong support for a full engagement between Indian and American counter-terrorism experts.

Thanking India for its steadfast support to the USA in the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks on New York and Washington, Jim McDermott and Ed Royce, Co-Chairmen of the India Caucus and 47 other Congressmen said: “We are strongly supportive of a full engagement between Indian and American counter-terrorism experts. We cannot now allow this momentum to stall.”

“The joint working group on terrorism that you and former President Bill Clinton established has laid the groundwork for tremendous Indo-American cooperation on this issue,” they said in their letter, received on the eve of Secretary of State Colin Powell’s visit to India.

Stating that terrorism was but one realm of the “great potential relationship” the USA and India have, the Congressmen said: “We are anxious to see all facets of Indo-American friendship continue to flourish. Our mutual commitment to freedom and democracy is truly the foundation for a great relationship, and we thank you (the Prime Minister) for your unwavering friendship.”

Deeply impressed and moved by New Delhi’s “rapidly offered” assistance and support after the September 11 terror attacks, they said: “Your sincere offers of help have been very important to us, especially since they were so genuine, rapid and unprompted.”

The letter noted that both nations have grown “increasingly close” and hoped that the relationship only “continues to evolve and deepen”.