Political News – Newsletter for November 21, 2010

US expert shown new North Korean nuclear facility: Report

NEW YORK – North Korea has allowed a visiting US nuclear scientist to see a large new uranium enrichment facility which raises new questions about Pyongyang’s nuclear intentions, the New York Times reported at the weekend.

Stanford professor Siegfried S. Hecker, former director of the Los Alamos National Laboratory, told the paper about his visit … Read more : US expert shown new North Korean nuclear facility: Report.

Lalu confident of forming government in Bihar

PATNA – A day after exit polls predicted a landslide victory for Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s alliance, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Sunday claimed that he will form the next government in the state with a two-thirds majority.

“I am sure and confident that the RJD and LJP (alliance partner Lok Janshakti …. Read the original article  : Lalu confident of forming government in Bihar.

Hasina’s tri-nation tour to focus on tiger, n-plant

DHAKA – Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Sunday began a tri-nation tour to Russia, Belgium and Japan during which she will attend a conference on tigers and discuss investments and setting up a nuclear power plant in the country.

She also hopes to attract investments and assistance for building a bridge over Padma river that …. Source  : Hasina’s tri-nation tour to focus on tiger, n-plant.

Congress protests against TV over anti-Sonia story

HYDERABAD – Activists of the ruling Congress party Sunday staged massive protests against Sakshi television channel, owned by party MP Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy, for airing a story criticising party president Sonia Gandhi.

A large number of activists gathered outside the Sakshi head office in Banjara Hills here demanding an apology from Jaganmohan Reddy, who also …. Read the original article  : Congress protests against TV over anti-Sonia story.

Pakistan’s objection to US backing for UN seat shows trust deficit: Rao

NEW DELHI – India has voiced its disappointment over Pakistan’s critical remarks on the US support for New Delhi’s candidature for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council, saying it was a reflection of trust deficit between the two neighbours.

“Yes, I would say I am disappointed. And I think it is a …. Original source  : Pakistan’s objection to US backing for UN seat shows trust deficit: Rao.

Congress in poor shape in Madhya Pradesh

BHOPAL – As the Madhya Pradesh assembly prepares to meet from Monday, Congress sources admit the party is losing its sting in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-ruled state.

The Congress, of course, is the second largest party in the legislature. However, Congress leaders admit it pains them that the BJP has been ruling …. Read the original article  : here.

Yeddyurappa meets supporters, to meet BJP leadership

BANGALORE/NEW DELHI – Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa, hit by allegations of favouring kin with prime land, met his supporters Sunday to discuss ways to impress the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leadership to allow him to stay on in the post.

The chief minister also dropped plans to take several ministers and legislators to New Delhi … Read : Yeddyurappa meets supporters, to meet BJP leadership.

Congress seeks report on TV programme attacking PM, Sonia

NEW DELHI – The Congress has sought a report from its Andhra Pradesh unit on a programme aired by Sakshi TV channel, owned by party MP Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy, which made critical comments about Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and party president Sonia Gandhi.

The party has asked for a report from the state unit. … Read : Congress seeks report on TV programme attacking PM, Sonia.

Nepal crisis worries Western world

KATHMANDU – With the prime ministerial election in Nepal put off till December and the opposition Maoist party preventing the government from tabling the budget and refusing to disband its parallel guerrilla army, there is mounting concern among Western governments who think Nepal is running out of time.

The heads of missions of Australia, … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Nepal crisis worries Western world.

Press Conference of the President after NATO Summit

Release Time: 

For Immediate Release

Location: 

Feria Internacional de Lisboa, …. Read the original article  : Press Conference of the President after NATO Summit.

Russia a partner, not an adversary, says Obama

LISBON – Russia is a partner for NATO, not an adversary, US President Barack Obama said Saturday as a landmark NATO-Russia summit closed in Lisbon.

At the summit, NATO and Russia agreed to launch talks on the possibility of linking their missile defence systems, in what leaders described as a “turning point” in the relationship.
[..] Read the original article: here.

BJP accuses PM of inaction, demands Raja’s arrest

NEW DELHI – Accusing Prime Minister Manmohan Singh of a “conspiracy of silence” and “culpability of inaction” in the 2G spectrum controversy, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Saturday demanded interrogation and arrest of former communications and IT minister A.Raja, who resigned this week under pressure from the opposition.

Talking to media persons here, BJP … Read this article on Gaea Times at : BJP accuses PM of inaction, demands Raja’s arrest.

Rosiah condemns Sakshi story on Sonia Gandhi

HYDERABAD – Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K. Rosaiah and other leaders of ruling Congress party Saturday condemned a story on the party president Sonia Gandhi aired by Sakshi television channel, owned by party MP Y. S. Jaganmohan Reddy.

In a statement Saturday night, Rosaiah said the episode titled “Hastagatham” on the affairs of Congress …. Source article  : Rosiah condemns Sakshi story on Sonia Gandhi.

Trinamool, CPI-M to be kept away from Ray’s condolence meet

KOLKATA – After a tiff between the Congress and its ally Trinamool Congress over the political legacy of former West Bengal chief minister S.S. Ray, the state Congress has decided to keep both Trinamool and the ruling Marxists away from the condolence meet it has organised Sunday.

“We have invited those people who were members …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Trinamool, CPI-M to be kept away from Ray’s condolence meet.

We will not blackmail UPA, says Mamata

KOLKATA – Railway Minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee Saturday said her party wanted the truth to come out in the 2G spectrum scam but would not “blackmail” or topple the United Progressive Alliance government on the issue.

“We have no problem with investigation into the matter. Allegations are flying. We want the truth …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Over 50 percent turnout in Bihar poll final phase, two cops killed (Night Lead)

PATNA – More than three million people defied the Maoists’ poll boycott call Saturday to vote in the sixth and final phase of the Bihar assembly elections. Minor incidents of violence, however, marred the otherwise peaceful polling, while two policemen were killed while trying to defuse a makeshift bomb.

The polling in 26 constituencies brings …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Over 50 percent turnout in Bihar poll final phase, two cops killed (Night Lead).

CPI-M asks PM to come out clean on 2G spectrum allocation

NEW DELHI – The Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) on Saturday asking Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh to clarify his stand on the 2G spectrum allocation said he should come out clean over the issue.

CPI-M politburo member Sitaram Yechury after a Central Committee meeting here today … Read more »»».

Why is Trinamool silent on 2G, CWG, asks CPI

KOLKATA – The Communist Party of India (CPI) Saturday questioned Trinamool Congress’ silence on corruption allegations surrounding 2G spectrum allocation and the Commonwealth Games, saying it was a part of a “deal” with the centre.

“A few people are raising questions about the alleged wrongdoings in Rajarhat. But I don’t understand one thing, that why …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Why is Trinamool silent on 2G, CWG, asks CPI.

BJP calls for action, not debate on 2G scam

NEW DELHI – Commenting on Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh’s appeal to Opposition parties to allow Parliament to function, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday said the 2G spectrum has been debated for long and it is time for action now.

“The …. Source article  : BJP calls for action, not debate on 2G scam.

Government has not got back on JPC demand, says BJP

NEW DELHI – The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Saturday said it had not heard from the government on the opposition’s demand for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into the 2G spectrum allocation controversy.

Party spokesman Ravi Shankar Prasad said they had not heard from the government after an assurance was given by Finance …. Source article  : Government has not got back on JPC demand, says BJP.