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George doubts nuke deal
FORMER DEFENCE Minister George Fernandes on Saturday raised doubts over implementation of the agreement on Civil Nuclear Cooperation between India and the United States. The National Democratic Alliance convenor said US President George W Bush could change his stand at any time. Fernandes was here to address a party workers? conference and release an autobiography of veteran socialist leader Madhukar Dighe. Talking to mediapersons, he said, ?In Pakistan, Bush can take a U-turn. Therefore, we should be very watchful on this accord.?
FORMER DEFENCE Minister George Fernandes on Saturday raised doubts over implementation of the agreement on Civil Nuclear Cooperation between India and the United States.
The National Democratic Alliance convenor said US President George W Bush could change his stand at any time.
Fernandes was here to address a party workers’ conference and release an autobiography of veteran socialist leader Madhukar Dighe.
Talking to mediapersons, he said, “In Pakistan, Bush can take a U-turn. Therefore, we should be very watchful on this accord.”
Terming Bush as the most barbaric person after Hitler, Fernandes said the US President pursued war as a policy. He also described Bush as a symbol of crime against humanity, adding that he thrust war upon Afghanistan and Iraq without any justification.
Thousands of people were killed by the US and its allies in these wars, he added. He blamed the Bush Government for hatching a conspiracy to eliminate small nations.
The former Defence Minister also said India deserved praise and the US President had only accepted this reality. He expressed doubts whether Bush would be a reliable friend of India in the emerging world scenario.
Critcising the UPA Government for toeing the US line, he said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh should have not gone to welcome the US President at the Palam Air Force station before the ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhawan. He also expressed displeasure over allowing an American dog squad into the Samadhi Sthal of Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi.
He said people would not forgive Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for this blunder.
He sidestepped a question about the BJP’s participation in a programme to welcome Bush, saying the question should be posed to BJP leaders.
He also said it appeared that the government was not interested in bringing Italian businessman Ottavio Quattrochi to book.
He said UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi should convince Quattrochi to face trial in India.
About the political situation in UP, he said if the assembly Speaker failed to follow court directives, the Allahabad High Court should intervene in the matter.
He also expressed doubt over whether assembly elections in West Bengal would be free and fair.
Fernandes released Dighe’s autobiography at the Samwad Bhawan in the university.
