Political News – Newsletter for December 17, 2010

Both terrorism, communalism threaten India: Rahul Gandhi (Second Lead)

NEW DELHI – Responding to the WikiLeaks cable in which he is quoted as saying that “radicalised Hindu groups” may be a bigger problem than Islamist terrorists, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said Friday that both “terrorism and communalism of all kinds” posed major threats to India.

According to Gandhi, Hindu groups “create religious tensions and … Original article on : Both terrorism, communalism threaten India: Rahul Gandhi (Second Lead).

Assertive not downcast, Congress to get combative at plenary

NEW DELHI – The Congress may be in a slump with corruption scandals dogging its heels and a disastrous electoral showing in Bihar, but it has decided to adopt a tough, combative stance and take on the opposition at the upcoming party plenary beginning here Saturday.

Congress president Sonia Gandhi set the tone for the [..] Read the original article: here.

Chinese premier given extraordinary welcome in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD – Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao reached Islamabad from New Delhi Friday as Pakistan Air Force aircraft escorted his official plane to Chaklala airbase where his Pakistani counterpart Yousaf Raza Gilani welcomed him.

As soon as the visiting dignitary touched down on the Pakistani soil, he was given a 21-gun salute and a guard of …. Source article  : Chinese premier given extraordinary welcome in Pakistan.

Rahul Gandhi Criticized By BJP

DELHI, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- It seems that BJP never gets tired of venting its wrath on the main political party in the ruling UPA government, and Rahul Gandhi seems to be the target of the party most of the times. Noted TV actress and BJP leader Smriti Irani recently came down heavily on Congress and … Original article on : Rahul Gandhi Criticized By BJP.

Chandrababu begins indefinite fast for farmer relief

HYDERABAD – Former Andhra Pradesh chief minister and leader of opposition N. Chandrababu Naidu Friday began an indefinite fast here demanding that the government provide immediate relief to farmers who have lost their crops in the recent rains.

The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief launched the fast at the New MLA Quarters after paying tribute …. Read the original article  : Chandrababu begins indefinite fast for farmer relief.

Sushma Swaraj calls on Wen Jiabao

NEW DELHI – Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Sushma Swaraj Friday called on visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and put forth the party’s views on improving ties between the two countries.

BJP sources described the meeting as a courtesy call”.
Swaraj, who is the leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha, had attended …. Source article  : Sushma Swaraj calls on Wen Jiabao.

Rahul’s remarks compromise fight against terror, PM must clarify: BJP

NEW DELHI – The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said Friday Rahul Gandhi’s comments seriously compromise India’s fight against terror and asked Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to clarify after the Congress general secretary was quoted as saying in a WikiLeaks exposure that radical Hindu groups were a “bigger threat” than the Muslim community supporting some terror … Read : Rahul’s remarks compromise fight against terror, PM must clarify: BJP.

Dalai Lama on Wikileak – focus on climate not politics in Tibet

LONDON – Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama told a US envoy to India that “political agenda should be sidelined for five to 10 years and the international community should shift its focus to climate change…”, according to diplomatic cables released by WikiLeaks.

The Dalai Lama last year told the US Ambassador to India Timothy …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Dalai Lama on Wikileak – focus on climate not politics in Tibet.

Rahul’s ‘radical Hindu groups’ comments irresponsible: BJP

NEW DELHI – The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Friday hit out as “irresponsible” Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi’s comment in diplomatic cables released by WikiLeaks that radical Hindu groups were a “bigger threat” than the Muslim community supporting some terror groups.

“BJP condemns the statement, which is irresponsible. If Rahul is worried about Hindu terror, …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Rahul’s ‘radical Hindu groups’ comments irresponsible: BJP.

2G Scam: Congress says demand for JPC is politically motivated

NEW DELHI – The Congress party, which heads the UPA Government at the center, has termed the opposition’s persistent demand for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into telecom irregularities as politically motivated.

Party spokesman Abhishek Manu Singhvi told media persons in the national capital on Thursday that the JPC probe demand is cheap and political …. Source article  : 2G Scam: Congress says demand for JPC is politically motivated.

Holbrooke was a ‘giant of diplomacy’: Indian envoy

WASHINGTON – Indian ambassador Meera Shankar offered condolences over the death of Richard Holbrooke, US special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, describing him as a “giant of diplomacy” in the cause of world peace.

“I am deeply saddened by the passing away of Ambassador Richard Holbrooke,” she wrote signing the condolence book for Holbrooke at … Read more >>>.

Statement from National Security Council Spokesman Mike Hammer on Khor Abeche Attacks

Release Time: 

For Immediate Release

The United States is deeply concerned about reports that the Sudanese Armed Forces attacked and burnt the village of Khor Abeche in South Darfur.  … Original article on : Statement from National Security Council Spokesman Mike Hammer on Khor Abeche Attacks.

Wikileaks Founder Released From Jail: Julian Assange Pays 200,000 For Bail

WASHINGTON (GaeaTimes.com) — Julian Assange have been granted bail and is supposed to be released from prison. Reportedly, freedom came at the cost of a set of strict clauses have been imposed on him and also his actions will be closely monitored.
Other allegations on the man are of rape and sexual assault which were … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Wikileaks Founder Released From Jail: Julian Assange Pays 200,000 For Bail.

President Obama Announces Another Key Administration Post, 12/16/10

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For Immediate Release

WASHINGTON – Today, President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individual to a key administration post:

Elisebeth Collins Cook, Member, Privacy and … Read this article on Gaea Times at : President Obama Announces Another Key Administration Post, 12/16/10.

Readout of Vice President Biden’s Call with Kurdistan Regional President Massoud Barzani

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For Immediate Release

The Vice President spoke to Kurdistan Regional Government President Massoud Barzani today to discuss progress on government formation talks.  The Vice President also extended …. Original source  : Readout of Vice President Biden’s Call with Kurdistan Regional President Massoud Barzani.

President Obama Announces More Key Administration Posts, 12/16/10

Release Time: 

For Immediate Release

WASHINGTON – Today, President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individual to a key Administration post:

James X. Dempsey, Member, Privacy and … Read more »».

President Obama: “We’re making progress”

WASHINGTON (GaeaTimes.com) — According to President Barack Obama, the efforts to strengthen Native American communities progressing.
This is what the President told a group of leaders from more than 500 federally recognized tribes Thursday.
“We’re making progress,” Obama said at the White House Tribal Nations Conference, the second of his administration “We’re moving forward. What I …. Read the original article  : President Obama: “We’re making progress”.

Sen. Harry Reid “disrespecting one of the two holiest of holidays for Christians”

WASHINGTON (GaeaTimes.com) — Politics takes a trip of the dark alleys this Christmas as the Senators quarrel among themselves on Senate Majority Leader Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nevada decision to leave the door open to keeping the Senate in session through the holiday.
Reportedly, Arizona Republican Sen. Jon Kyl accused him of “disrespecting one of the …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Sen. Harry Reid “disrespecting one of the two holiest of holidays for Christians”.

Statement by the Press Secretary, 12/16/10

Release Time: 

For Immediate Release

The President is pleased that the House has joined the Senate to pass the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act of 2010.   This bill … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Statement by the Press Secretary, 12/16/10.

House Democrats To Pass Tax Deal

WASHINGTON (GaeaTimes.com) — The highly contested Bush era tax extension bills cleared the Senate 81-19 on Wednesday. It have been indicated by two leading House Democrats that Thursday the House of Representatives is set to approve the controversial $858 billion tax deal largely negotiated by the White House and top Senate Republicans.
Reportedly, Obama has … Original source on Gaea Times at : House Democrats To Pass Tax Deal.