M A I N   N E W S

Cancel N-fuel supply to India, USA tells Russia

Washington, February 17
Taking strong objection to Russia’s supply of nuclear fuel for India’s Tarapur power reactors, the USA has asked Moscow to cancel the arrangement which was in “violation” of its nonproliferation commitments.

“We deeply regret that the Russian Federation has shipped nuclear fuel to the Tarapur power reactors in India in violation of Russia’s nonproliferation commitments and call on Moscow to cancel this supply arrangement and live up to its nonproliferation obligations,” State Department Spokesman Philip Reeker said in a statement yesterday.

He said, “although Tarapur reactors are under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards, India does not have such safeguards on all of its facilities and is indeed pursuing a nuclear weapons programme,” .

“As a member of the 39-nation Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), Russia is committed not to engage in nuclear cooperation with any country that does not have comprehensive IAEA safeguards on all its nuclear facilities,” Reeker said.

A majority of the NSG members at a meeting in December 2000 had expressed concern about Russia’s planned shipment of nuclear fuel to India which they said was inconsistent with Moscow’s commitments.

Reeker said Russia’s help to India and its “sensitive nuclear assistance” to Tehran, raised “serious questions” about its support for the goal of preventing nuclear proliferation. PTI 

High-pitched campaign ends
Varinder Walia
Tribune News Service

Majitha, February 17
The high-pitched election campaign today came to end after great “show of strength” by the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and the Congress in Majitha constituency in which the prestige of Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, and Mr Amarinder Singh, President, Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC), is at stake.

While the Congress held a rally with the active support of the CPI, the SAD organised a big gathering with the BJP at the local grain market.

The PPCC which seems to be a divided house today brought the entire leadership on a single platform to impress voters. Mr Moti Lal Vora, a senior Congress leader and in charge Punjab Affairs, was also present.

The SAD brought the Chief Ministers of Haryana and Himachal Pradesh, actor Dara Singh and senior leaders of the BJP who sought votes in the name of strengthening hard-won peace. They claimed that the SAD-BJP alliance could maintain “permanent” peace in the state.

Interestingly, the ruling party sought the help of certain district transport officers of the state and district police chiefs and officials of different departments for drawing the crowds.

Mr Jagjit Singh Bhau, President, Milk Producers Association Moga, said at least 20 buses and trucks had come here at the behest of Mr Tota Singh, Education Minister. A wall of grain market, venue for the SAD-BJP rally, was broken for the entry of the crowd.

Addressing the rally, Mr Badal described the Congress as “anti-farmer” and “anti-trader”. He said his government was committed to maintaining peace in Punjab. Mr Om Prakash Chautala and Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal, Chief Ministers of Haryana and Himachal, respectively, too, sought votes in the name of peace. They alleged that the Congress had always adopted a divide and rule policy.

Boon in disguise
Tribune News Service

Majitha, February 17
The crucial byelection has come as blessing in disguise for residents of many villages of the constituency as they would get round the clock power supply under the new scheme issued by the Punjab State Electricity Board (PSEB) after implementation of code of conduct.

A Director of the PSEB issued orders on February 6 after implementation of the code for giving 24-hour power supply on the pattern of urban areas.