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Rice in Georgia to secure peace plan
Bush greets India on I-Day
UN mission in Congo to curb misconduct by peacekeepers |
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Japan hints at visa for Indian surrogacy baby
NSG Meeting
Reject US proposal, say N-deal critics
No Kayani support for the prez?
Blames Sharif for instability
Tackle internal crisis on your own, US tells Pak
US and Poland sign missile shield deal
Balochistan Guv may resign
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Rice in Georgia to secure peace plan
Tbilisi, August 15 “We’ll try to get this formal ceasefire in place because the goal of this is to get a ceasefire and to get Russian forces to withdraw from the country as soon as possible,” Rice told reporters on her plane. Increasing diplomatic pressure on Moscow, German Chancellor Angela Merkel met Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. A German source said she would tell him Russia’s actions in Georgia had gone too far. Pressure from Berlin is significant because Germany is Russia’s biggest trading partner and Moscow generally regards it as reliable and sympathetic. Moscow faces increasing diplomatic isolation over its push into Georgia, the biggest Russian military deployment outside its borders since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Even its normally reliable allies in parts of the former Soviet Union have remained mostly silent on the issue. Amid reports of looting by irregular militias, Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili accused Russian troops of “ethnically cleansing” the rebel areas of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Russia says its actions were fully justified by Georgia’s “aggression” and “genocide” in attacking South Ossetia last week, and maintains its troops must stay on the ground in Georgia to secure the situation and prevent further conflict. The two sides traded accusations today of misconduct in the war zone. Georgia quoted a US human rights group alleging that Russia had used cluster bombs against civilians, a charge denied by Russia, while Moscow accused Tbilisi’s troops of planting mines in civilian areas as they retreated. Moscow attacked Georgia with troops, tanks, planes and warships last week after Tbilisi sent a force into South Ossetia to try to take back control over the province, which threw off Georgian control in a war in the 1990s. Russian troops and armour remained deep inside Georgian territory on Friday, in Moscow’s biggest show of force outside its borders since the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991. In Moscow, the General Staff said at its daily news briefing that there had been no shooting in the past 24 hours. The United Nations has expressed alarm at lawlessness in war-torn areas. Witnesses in the area have seen Ossetian militiamen attacking villages and stealing cars. The United States, a close ally of Georgia, has accused Russia of trying to “punish Georgia for daring to try to integrate with the West” and has threatened serious consequences for years to come unless Moscow steps back. In a move further souring Russia’s ties with Washington, Poland agreed on Thursday to host elements of a US anti- missile system on its land after Washington agreed to base a battery of Patriot missiles there amid the Georgia crisis. Russia’s envoy to NATO, Dmitry Rogozin, told Reuters that the striking of the deal at such a sensitive time showed it was directed at Russia, not Iran as Washington has said. — Reuters
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Bush greets India on I-Day
Washington, August 15 Terming India's path to independence a great story of "liberty overcoming oppression", the President said, "Led by Mahatma Gandhi, Indian people engaged in non-violent protests and campaigns in the pursuit of freedom." “On August 15, 1947, they achieved their goal, gained their independence and became a democratic nation. This accomplishment demonstrates that though freedom can be delayed, it cannot be denied," he said. Lauding the contributions of the Indian-Americans in America's progress, Bush said, "It is also a time to remember the rich contributions that the Indian-Americans have made to our country and reminds us of the close ties that our nation shares with India." "Laura and I send our best wishes on the occasion," he added. — PTI
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UN mission in Congo to curb misconduct by peacekeepers
United Nations, August 15 The Government of India has already ordered an inquiry following the report, which found prima facie case against Indians, who are now back in the country, and has assured Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon that it would take appropriate action if the charges were substantiated. The measures to curb the misbehaviour include curfews and prohibition against leaving the barracks after 6 pm or having any form of entertainment outside the barracks, force commander Lt-General Babacar Gaye said. He said the misbehaviour of just one peacekeeper could tarnish the image of all 17,000 troops deployed in the Congo. The investigation by the Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS), which found "prima facie" evidence against some members of the Indian contingent, had tarnished the UN's image and that of the UN mission in Congo, said Gaye. "We are doing our best to implement the zero tolerance policy," he said. Asked about a report last month concerning an Indian colonel, who allegedly praised militia leader Laurent Nkunda, he said the issue was under investigation by the OIOS, but he could confirm that there was a tape recording of which he had a transcript. A letter, he said, had been sent to alert the Government of India of the incident. — PTI
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Japan hints at visa for Indian surrogacy baby
Tokyo, August 15 The child’s fate was thrown into confusion when the Japanese couple divorced during the Indian woman’s pregnancy. “I would like to handle the case in the direction of granting a visa,” justice minister Okiharu
Yasuoka, who oversees Japan’s immigration policy, told reporters. “Whether to permit surrogate pregnancy is a matter to be discussed by respective institutions,” he said, but added: “The ministry will study the possibilities under the law out of consideration for the child’s future.” The case has triggered national headlines in India with calls to better regulate the country’s booming surrogacy business. Surrogacy is a controversial issue in Japan. The law does not prohibit it but the professional society of obstetricians and gynaecologists bans it, citing in part the possibility for custody battles. The girl, Manji Yamada, was born last month after eggs from an unknown donor were fertilised using the sperm of Ikufumi Yamada (45) and implanted into the Indian woman’s womb. But Yamada then divorced with his wife, who no longer wants the baby. India does not
allow single fathers to adopt baby girls and has complicated rules in general for foreigners wishing to adopt. —
AFP
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NSG Meeting
The US and India have their work cut out at the Nuclear Suppliers Group where they are seeking to win the approval of all member states for India-specific exemptions from nuclear trade restrictions.
In the weeks before a special meeting of the NSG in Vienna, opponents of the US-India civilian nuclear deal appear to be unconvinced that it addresses An Irish government spokesman in Dublin told The Tribune the government was "actively involved in ongoing discussions on this very complex issue in the context of the meeting of the Nuclear Suppliers Group later in the month." The NSG is due to meet on August 20-21 in Vienna for an extraordinary plenary meeting to discuss the US proposal and may convene again to vote on the initiative as early as September. Traditionally, the 45-member group makes decisions by consensus. "Consistently over the past three years since the deal was first mooted, Ireland has been to the fore in raising questions and expressing serious concerns, particularly about its effects on the international non-proliferation regime," the Irish official said on the condition of anonymity as the matter is still under consideration. But, the official added, Dublin is also aware of the importance attached to the deal by the US and India, and of "the considerable support, which exists for it, including on energy diversification and climate change grounds." Ireland is currently examining the text of the US proposal for an exemption from NSG guidelines to permit civil nuclear cooperation with India, which was circulated at the end of last week. "The draft decision has clear implications for the NPT and non-proliferation regime," the Irish source said, adding, "We will come to a final decision in the NSG in the light of all the facts and in consultation with like-minded partners." Meanwhile, Austria, another likely stumbling block to the deal is planning a government meeting to finalise its position on the deal. An Austrian government source said the meeting would be held some time this week. Soon after the International Atomic Energy Agency's Board of Governors approved the deal, an Austrian foreign ministry spokesman said Austria "considers it a progress that the IAEA can carry out comprehensive controls in India for the first time as a result of this agreement." The spokesman pointed out that Austria had "vigorously demanded in a joint statement issued in agreement with several like-minded states that the specific civil nuclear facilities that are to be subjected to IAEA control must be defined quickly and in a legally binding manner." Moreover, the official added, "Austria and other states stressed that the present decision of the Board of Governors only refers to the question of the Safeguards Agreement between India and the IAEA. Therefore, this is not in any way a prejudice for the decision to be taken subsequently by the Nuclear Suppliers Group on any India-specific waiver for the agreements between India and the USA as well as with some other states on cooperation in the area of civil nuclear industry." Officials from two other opponents of the deal - Switzerland and New Zealand - were unavailable for comment. Sweden is among a group of countries that while not wholly on board with the civilian nuclear agreement is likely to support it at the NSG. A reliable source in the Swedish foreign ministry told The Tribune Sweden "is not against the nuclear deal as such." The source said Stockholm would have a "positive approach and we are hoping to achieve consensus in the NSG."
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Reject US proposal, say N-deal critics
Washington, August 15 The arms control lobby, which has consistently opposed the India-US nuclear deal Wednesday, published what it described as the US proposal to exempt India from existing nuclear trade restrictions maintained by the 45-member NSG. The NSG is due to meet August 20-21 in Vienna for an extraordinary plenary meeting to discuss the US proposal to facilitate the India-US civil nuclear deal and may convene again to vote on the initiative as early as September. The implementing 123 Agreement can be sent to the US Congress for ratification only after it gets the NSG clearance. The current US proposal would simply “recognise" India’s commitments and actions that were outlined in the July 2005 joint statement by President George W. Bush and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Kimball said in an accompanying analysis. The proposal would only require that: “the participating government shall maintain contact and consult through regular channels on matters connected with the implementation of the guidelines, taking into account relevant international commitments and bilateral agreements with India.” According to ACA the earlier draft stated that: “The participating governments may transfer trigger list items and/or related technology to the safeguarded civil nuclear facilities in India...as long as the participating government intending to make the transfer is satisfied that India continues to fully meet all aforementioned non-proliferation and safeguards commitments, and all other requirements of the NSG guidelines.” The current US proposal would leave it up to each individual NSG participant to decide whether India is or is not meeting these weak standards and loose commitments before they sell nuclear technology and materials, possibly, including technologies the US would not be willing to sell, to India, Kimball said. In essence, the Bush administration is proposing an NSG rule-change that would not only erode rules-based efforts to curb the spread of nuclear weapons, but it would also allow other states to interpret or ignore the India-specific NSG guideline as they see fit and undermine how US lawmakers would like to see such a rule applied, Kimball said. Calling the Bush administration’s proposed India-specific exemption as “a non-proliferation disaster that could effectively end the NSG as a meaningful entity,” Kimball said: “The current US proposal should be flatly rejected by other NSG member states as unsound and irresponsible.” —
IANS
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No Kayani support for the
prez?
Army chief Gen Pervez Kayani’s absence from the independence day traditional function in the Presidency has spurred speculations that it was a signal from the army to President Pervez Musharraf that he could not expect any reprieve from his erstwhile stronghold at most difficult phase of his political career in the current office. The celebrations on August 14 this year reflected the shifting power scenario in the country and Musharraf’s declining fortunes. It was for the first time in country’s history that the President and the Prime Minister separately presided over national day celebrations. General Kayani did not show up at the Presidency but came along with other top brass of the army to attend the Prime Minister’s function next morning. For the first time a special parade was organised at Kakul Military Academy, about 90 km away where Kayani was the chief guest, while the function in Presidency was in progress. While no cabinet minister attended the function at the Presidency, most senior officials also preferred to stay away for fear of incurring government’s displeasure. But heads of air force and navy did come. Kayani has been distancing the army from involvement in politics and has reportedly made it clear that he would not let his institution be used for or against Musharraf. Informed sources, however, have been telling the media all through current crisis erupting from ruling coalition’s decision to impeach Musharraf that he has received subtle vibes from the army that he better quit to save the country from further plunging in an era of political and economic instability. Analysts said the army will observe strict neutrality during the impeachment process and let Musharraf take his own decision whether to quit before the impeachment proceedings start. However, amid ever growing voices for his trial on sedition and criminal charges, the army may intervene to prevent his public humiliation. Musharraf is reportedly undergoing increasing isolation. He is left with only a handful of loyalists whose advice hardly matters. Media reports say they, for self-serving reasons, are advising him to fight out the impeachment which his well wishers, including members of his family, regard as sure recipe for disaster. Among legal advisers, Sharifuddin Pirzada has already detached himself and publicly denied he is giving any advice to the President. Attorney-General Qayyum Malik is uncharacteristically quiet and lying low. The only ardent supporter is eminent lawyer and former minister in PPP government of Z.A. Bhutto in 1970s, Abdul Hafeez Pirzada.
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Blames Sharif for instability
President Pervez Musharraf today accused former premier and PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif as responsible for the current crisis in Pakistan. “He is the person who is creating the current political instability that is devastating the economy,” Musharraf was cited by Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, president of former ruling Pakistan Muslim League Quaide (PML-Q).
Shujaat called on Musharraf today at the Army House in Rawalpindi for his fifth meeting in a week. Leader of the opposition in the National Assembly and his cousin Chaudhry Pervez Elahi also accompanied him. The Chaudhry cousins have been pressing Musharraf to fight out the impeachment move and assured him full support of the party, which is already facing growing desertions. Shujaat informed that Musharraf said he would not resign on this occasion as he was elected by the Parliament as the President for five years. He said he would face the impeachment motion of the ruling coalition. On the other hand, Musharraf’s allegation against Sharif was promptly repudiated by PML-N spokesman Ahsan Iqbal who said it is the President who is continuing to sustain political uncertainty by clinging to his office. The people of Pakistan impeached Musharraf on February 18 when they rejected him, his allies and policies in the polls. The resolution in Parliament would be merely a formality, he added. Ahsan said all four provincial assemblies who constitute the Electoral College for the president have passed resolutions, almost unanimously, expressing no confidence in Musharraf. “He is at the rock bottom of public standing according to international opinions. Against this, Nawaz Sharif has been rated as most popular figure in the country,” Ahsan said. He also challenged Musharraf’s claim that he is an elected president and said he fraudulently got himself elected from outgoing assemblies by amending the constitution. The opposition had boycotted these elections and the world never accepted the legality or legitimacy of Musharraf’s election, alleged Ahsan.
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Tackle internal crisis on your own, US tells Pak
Washington, August 15 US ally President Pervez Musharraf is being pushed to quit by rivals and could
face an impeachment motion as early as next week. State department spokesman Robert
Wood said today Pakistan had been a good partner in the fight against extremists but could do more. He said the US officials want to
“make sure that we're all giving 100 per cent effort in the war against terror.” The US officials had regular talks with Pakistani officials about ways to improve efforts to fight extremists,
Robert Wood added. — AP
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US and Poland sign missile shield deal
Warsaw, August 15 The move is likely to rise tension between Russia and the West. Russia says the US system poses a threat to its security, despite the US assurances to the contrary. Deputy Polish foreign minister Andrzej Kremer and the US chief negotiator John Rood signed the preliminary deal yesterday. Polish prime minister Donald Tusk had insisted the US provide more military cooperation in return for consent to host 10 interceptor rockets at a base in northern Poland. Washington says the interceptors and a radar in the Czech Republic will form part of a global shield protecting the US and its allies from long-range missiles that could in the future be fired by Iran or groups such as Al-Qaida. “We have crossed the Rubicon,” Tusk said just before the deal was signed. “The agreement with Poland elevates our security relationship to a new level,” Rood said. Washington has agreed to move a battery of Patriot missiles from Germany to Poland as part of the deal, a senior US defence official said in Washington. Russia has been angered by Poland's strong verbal support for Georgia. Moscow has threatened to take retaliatory steps against Poland and the Czech Republic for hosting the US system on their territory. If everything goes to schedule, the interceptor base would be ready by around 2012, the officials said. The Czechs have already signed an agreement to host the radar although parliament there must ratify it. The Patriot missiles would provide protection against short-range ballistic missiles such as the SS-21 system used by Russia in Georgia, according to the Missile Defence Advocacy Alliance, a US group that lobbies in favour of missile defence. The shield deal, if approved by parliaments in Prague and Warsaw, will be a success for President George W Bush. — Reuters
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Balochistan Guv may resign
Balochistan Governor Zulfiqar Magsi has said he is considering resigning as the Governor due to the deteriorating law and order in the province.
“Myself and Chief Minister Raisani had vowed to restore order and peace in the province but despite best efforts we have failed,” Magsi told reporters at an Independence Day ceremony in Quetta adding: “It is no fun clinging to my office just for a paltry salary if I cannot deliver what I had promised.” He pointed out that it was the responsibility of the provincial government to control law and order as the police, including other administrative departments were under its control. But things have gone worse instead of improving, he added. “Under the circumstances I would not want to be in the Governor’s house merely for the sake of Rs 40,000”. Magsi rejected reports of change of the provincial Chief Minister. Magsi was named the Governor shortly after the February 18 election, which had thrown up a fractured mandate with pro Musharraf PML-Q winning the highest number of 14 seats in the 60-member assembly. It failed to get other splinter groups support in the government formation and the PPP with only seven members was able to garner enough votes to lead the government. Almost all other political parties also joined the coalition with only one member, former federal minister Rind left to sit in the opposition. All four governors are Musharraf's nominees though he secured approval of the PPP co-chairman Asif Zardari in the appointment of Punjab Governor Salman Taseer.
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Biggest burial ground of Stone Age Lyricist sues John McCain
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