M A I N   N E W S

Talks on terrorism begin
Don’t ‘expect much’ from Clinton visit

WASHINGTON, Feb 8 (UNI) —India and the USA today began their formal dialogue on terrorism with a view to ultimately evolving a joint strategy to fight the menace, both in the region and elsewhere — based on their shared experience.

The talks have acquired significance, taking place as it is, close to the visit of President Bill Clinton to India, in which terrorism will dominate the discussions, along with nuclear non-proliferation.

The issue will also figure during Foreign Secretary Lalit Mansingh’s discussions with US officials here tomorrow which will primarily be centred on preparations for the agenda of Mr Clinton’s visit to New Delhi, the first by a sitting American President in more than two decades.

An Indian Embassy spokesman said the discussions would cover a general overview of terrorism with special reference to South Asia.

Joint Secretary (Americas) Alok Prasad is leading the Indian delegation.

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright has thrown cold water on the much-hyped visit of President Bill Clinton to India saying that it is not a sign of Washington’s absolute approval of New Delhi’s policies and not much should be expected from the tour.

“The trip is one that would be important, but it is not just a sign that everything has been dealt with and all problems have been resolved,” Ms Albright told reporters at a Budget press conference yesterday.

“I believe, that the USA has made quite clear that having a relationship with the world’s largest democracy is important. But, obviously, we continue to have very serious concerns about the issues of non-proliferation and about the dealings on Kashmir, she said.

USA allocates $ 5m

WASHINGTON, Feb 8 (PTI) — US President Bill Clinton has allocated $ 5 million for economic reforms and liberalisation in India besides funds for several welfare schemes in his fiscal 2001 budget.

The amount for India is ‘‘contingent on progress in our dialogue with India’’ and is part of $ 20 million Mr Clinton has provided for South Asia under the Economic Support Fund (ESF), US State Department says in the budget document.

‘Besides, the President has also sought from Congress $ 475,000 for international military education and training (IMET) for Indian defence personnel, it said.