Obama cancels Agra trip to visit Saudi Arabia

Lucknow/NewDelhi, January 24

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US President Barack Obama has cancelled his much-publicised visit toAgraand would be leaving forSaudi ArabiafromNew Delhion January 27.

While Obama has retained the programme of his address to a select gathering inDelhion January 27, a visit toAgrato see the iconic Taj Mahal has been cancelled as the President will leave fromNew DelhitoSaudi Arabiawhose king Abdullah died on Thursday night.

After Americans informed the change in the programme of the President, all concerned security agencies and local administration has been conveyed the same.

A senior UP government official inLucknowsaid that Obama has cancelled all his personal programmes as he would be travelling toSaudi Arabia.

He was scheduled to visit the city ofTajwith his wife Michelle Obama on Tuesday next for which elaborate security arrangements had been made.

TheUSPresident, who will be arriving inIndiatomorrow for talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and be the chief guest at the Republic Day, will leaveIndiaon January 27.

Agra Commissioner Pradeep Bhatnagar said they have been told that Obama's trip toAgrahas been cancelled.

"Yes, I can confirm that Obama's trip toAgrahas been cancelled. This information was given by the US Team that was here, to the district Magistrate ofAgra... that they have received orders from the top that the trip toAgrahas been called off. We have not received anything official from either Government of India or the state government.

He said the American security team is now in the process of leavingAgra.

Asked if the reason for the cancellation was the Saudi King's death, he said, "They themselves were reluctant to give any specific reason. However, they were quick to clarify that it was not because of security reasons. But they did not specify what the reason was. They said they received instructions from higher authorities."

An official statement from theUSsaid President Obama and the First Lady will travel toRiyadhon Tuesday, January 27, in order to pay respects to King Salman bin Abdulaziz and the family of the late King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz.  The Vice-President was originally to have led a delegation toSaudi Arabiaon the President’s behalf. The President regrets that he will be unable to visitAgraduring this trip, it added.

PTI