M A I N   N E W S

Bush reaffirms US policy on LoC
From H.K. Dua

Washington, July 18
President George W. Bush reaffirmed the US policy that the sanctity of the Line of Control in Kashmir could not be violated.

“The US policy cannot change”, he said in an answer to my question at his joint Press conference addressed by President Bush and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

In my question I reminded the President that his predecessor President Bill Clinton had made clear that the US policy was that in the interest of peace, the sanctity of the LoC must be maintained by both sides.

“Would you, Mr President, like to reaffirm the US stand that the sanctity of the Line of Control cannot be violated by anyone in future?”, I asked.

“The US policy cannot change”, he said categorically.

“We expressed the hope that the problem between India and Pakistan would be solved by them. The US role was to facilitate that they work together in good faith”.

So far as the dialogue between India and Pakistan was concerned, he said, “We have an opportunity to facilitate the dialogue”.

He was sure that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf could come to a mutually acceptable solution. He hoped that the progress on the question would be achieved.

Bush accepts invitation to visit India

Washington, July 18
US President George W Bush today accepted Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s invitation to visit India ‘’at the earliest’’.

This was announced by Dr Manmohan Singh after his talks with the US President at the White House today.

The US President had already expressed his intention to visit New Delhi. Indications are that Mr Bush will visit India later this year or early next year. — UNI

Rare White House welcome

Washington, July 18
Extending to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh a rare warm welcome at the White House, President George W. Bush today said the US looked forward to building a strong bilateral relationship with India for economic prosperity and peace.

Mr Singh, who was accompanied by his wife Gursharan Kaur, is the fifth world leader to receive a White House welcome ceremony in nearly five years of Bush’s presidency.

The US President rolled out full pomp and ceremony with wigged fife and drum corps marching across the lawns as the two leaders walked side by side inspecting the guard of honour in the presence of a large number of people including those of Indian origin carrying the national flag. — UNI

U.S. first lady Laura Bush (right) and Gursharan Kaur, wife of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, watch an official State Visit arrival ceremony at the White House on Monday. —Reuters photo