Press Breifing Tuesday, 1st Dec 2009

Shri. Abhishek Singhvi addressed the media today.

Shri. Abhishek Singhvi said that the Congress party applauds, welcomes and is extremely happy about the diverse achievements during the recent foreign trip of the Hon'ble Prime Minister to the United States and to CHOGM. We want to emphasize that India's point of view has not only been put forth in a strong and comprehensive manner but has been understood, imbibed and absorbed. This is a unique meeting of the minds, this is a special deepening of the relationship and it is a reaffirmation of our old agreements ncluding e.g: 123 agreement and a springboard for several new initiatives.

In particular, it is with deep satisfaction that we note that India and US have made it crystal clear that terrorism is a common threat to the globe and to global peace. That it is non-negotiable in any form at any time in any region. In particular, and this is significant they have in writing noted the grave threat arising to India from terrorism and violent extremism originating from India's neighborhood and I repeat the word India's neighborhood. That is a quote from joint declaration. Again, there has been a specific endorsement of the approach, actions of India, role of India in Afghanistan, India's reconstruction role in Afghanistan in particular and a declaration of a common intention to have peace and stability in Afghanistan, which followed upon US at Washington DC among other things reiterated India's stand cleared and unequivocal on climate change and as you know CHOGM was not supposed to be a preemption of Copenhagen. Therefore there was no need to elaborate on these issues at CHOGM. At the INDO-US front, the other significant aspect was the very special declaration of the counter-terrorism co-operation initiative and counter-terrorism has been given a very categorical and special place in the discussion in the joint declaration and it is based upon both information gathering and capacity building Defence co-operation not only the multifarious connecting points already going on will be deepened and reinforced but several new connecting points have been identified. In a nutshell, this is an extremely productive, intense, a very harmonious and an extremely fruitful visit in terms of not only carrying the relationship further but being a springboard for several new initiatives. It is not without significance as the President of the USA repeatedly said that the Indian head of government is the first state visit he has hosted on US soil and the hope and trust that this is only a part of the full-length story.

On a further question on the absence of certain MPs during the question hour today also, Shri Singhvi said that no party would like their MPs to be absent. The entire nation is looking towards us but nobody does it intentionally.

On another related question as to whether the Congress party has asked for any list of the absentees, Shri Singhvi said that we have our own established internal procedure. When the people who are themselves involved are not supporting, justifying or explaining what happened, it is something which should not happen and is regrettable and it is a rare aberration.

It is unfortunate but I don't think we need to go into other details. We have our own mechanism and I think a hint is enough to everybody.

On further being asked whether Congress party President has expressed her concern about the people not taking part in parliament discussion and whether she is taking any steps to avoid this situation in future, Shri Singhvi said that he has already explained the position of the Congress party while replying to other related questions. Shri Singhvi further added that if the party consciously takes a decision on the absentees from parliament, consequences can be very severe. So, please don't think that responsible parliamentarians are irresponsible, they are not and don't assume things, we have our own mechanism to deal with the situation.

When asked about BJP's remark that government should be more sensitive towards the safety of nuclear plants, Shri Singhvi said that government has already offered its explanation on this issue.

On the question of the reaction of the Congress party on the statement of Lt. Governor of Chandigarh, Shri Singhvi said that he does not have any facts to comment. This is a matter between the Home Ministry, the Administrator and the relevant persons and he thinks that there is no such great issue/crisis. Everything has been sorted out between the Ministry and the Administrator.

When asked about the on-going violence in Andhra Pradesh over Telangana issue, Shri Singhvi said that it is an old issue and much has been said in this regard. Nobody should derive any political mileage by taking extreme steps on this issue and our stand is very clear that unless there is a consensus on the issue, no decision can be taken.

On being asked about the non-satisfactory behaviour of Shri Pranab Mukherjee in Rajya Sabha today, Shri Singhvi said that nobody even in both the houses can match the stature and the experience of what Shri Pranab Mukherjee is carrying and he is one of the most respected and old parliamentarian.

TomVadakkan

Secretary, AICC