Pak’s ambivalence in cracking down on Saeed clear : NYT

New York, Sep.19 (ANI) : Pakistani authorities may have filed cases against Lashkar -e-Taiba (LeT) chief Hafeez Mohammad Saeed, the alleged mastermind of the November 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, but Islamabad’s actions are being considered as a mere ‘hogwash’.

The New York Times, while reporting the actions taken against Saeed, said the ambivalence of Pakistani authorities in cracking down on the LeT’s fouder leader was clear.

The newspaper highlighted that the Pakistan government has never been serious regarding putting a check on Saeed and his covert terror activities being run under the LeT’s charity organization Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD).

“Even after he was placed under house arrest in December, the government took steps to soften the blow, allowing him, for instance, to hold a defiant news conference before his confinement began,” it said.

While the Pakistan government has been maintaining that it is seriously carrying out the probe regarding the 26/11 massacre, and tried to show the same to the international community especially the US by booking Saeed under the anti-terrorism act, its ‘bluff’ was laid bare when Saeed’s lawyer disclosed that the case registered against his client were ‘very weak’.

“I have gone through both the FIRs against Saeed thoroughly. The charges against my client are very weak. He has expressed his views like any other Pakistani,” Saeed’s lawyer AK Dongar told a private television channel.

Pakistani authorities also revealed that they have not received any instructions for arresting Saeed despite the registration of two cases against him. (ANI)

Musharraf ‘shedding crocodile tears’, says ex- Pak SCBA chief

Islamabad, Sep.19 (ANI): Pakistan Supreme Court Bar Association’s former President Aitzaz Ahsan has said that former President General Pervez Musharraf is ‘shedding crocodile tears’ while admitting that removing Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry from office in 2007 was a mistake.

Referring to Musharraf’s speech at Trinity University in Saint Antonio, Texas, where the former general admitted that he had committed a mistake while sacking the then Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) from office, Ahsan said Musharraf had committed not only one but two mistakes by removing the higher judiciary and imposing an emergency in the country on November 3, 2007.

Talking to a private television channel, Ahsan said the government and the ‘independent’ judiciary should play their role in trying Musharraf under high treason charges.

He said it was not the right time for lawyers to take their struggle to roads, as they did previously while demanding restoration of the judiciary, The News reports.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) has denied that Musharraf had taken the cabinet into his confidence before promulgating the Provisional Constitutional Ordinance (PCO) and imposing the emergency rule in 2007.

Interacting with media persons during an Iftaar party hosted by PML-Q President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, several party leaders rejected the notion regarding Musharraf consulting the cabinet before taking the illegal and extra-judicial actions. (ANI)

Pak inks 220-million-dollar satellite deal with China

Islamabad, Sep. 19 (ANI): Pakistan has signed an agreement with China to provide a 220-million-dollar financial grant to help the Islamic country launch a communication satellite.

The operational life of Pakistan’s existing satellite PAKSAT-1 will be over in November 2011.

Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Luo Zhaohui and Pakistan’s Economic Affairs Secretary Farrukh Qayyum signed the contract.

“China has agreed to fund the project through a soft loan with low mark up for a period of 20 years,” the Daily Times quoted Qayyum, as saying.

The Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Organisation (SUPARCO) and the China Great Wall Industry Corporation have agreed to develop the new satellite PAKSAT-1R, which would replace PAKSAT-1 in September 2011, he added.

The satellite will support all conventional and modern fixed satellite service (FSS) applications.

The satellite will have 30 transponders, 18 in the Ku-band and 12 in C-band (ANI)

US Ambassador meets Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Update- US Ambassador)

New Delhi, Sept 18 (ANI): The United States Ambassador to India, Timothy J Roemer, today met Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh at his residence.

The meeting took place after Roemer met Union Home Minister P. hidambaram.

Speaking to reporters, after a meeting with Chidambaram, Roemer said bringing the culprits to justice and going after Saeed were important to both India and the United States.

“Swift and mighty punishment for the six Mumbai suspects in Islamabad, is important for United States and is important for India. And going after Saeed is very important and dismantling the infrastructure of LeT in that region is extremely important to the United States and to India,” said Roemer.

The meeting took after reports of two FIR’s against Saeed came late last night.

He has been charged under Pakistan’s Anti-Terrorism Act for making anti-state speeches where he urged activists of the Jamaat-ud-Dawa, the frontline organisation for LeT that he heads, to wage a ‘jehad’.

Saeed has also been charged for heading a charity collection drive during the Ramazan month according to the police.

Earlier, Roemer had called on Pakistan to take action against Saeed.

“There are five, probably six, suspects currently being held in Islamabad in connection with the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. It is extremely important that these six people be brought to justice and put behind bars and receive sentences commensurate with their crimes against India, US and the world,” a news channel quoted Roemer, as saying

“I hope that in future the action on 26/11 includes people like Hafiz Saeed. Recently he was put into an Interpol red flag list,” he added.

The remarks follows Chidambaram’s visit to US, where he had briefed several ministers under the Barack Obama administration about Islamabad’s inaction against perpetrators of the Mumbai carnage.

The attacks, which drew widespread condemnation across the world, began on 26 November 2008 and lasted until 29 November, killing at least 173 people and wounding at least 308. Among the dead were 28 foreign nationals from 10 countries.

Ajmal Amir Kasab, the only attacker who was captured alive, has disclosed that the attackers were members of LeT, which is considered a terrorist organization by the Government of India, the United States, and the United Kingdom, among others.

Interpol has also issued a Red Corner Notice against Saeed, and Zaki -ur- Rehman Lakhvi (another mastermind of the 26/11 attacks). The notice was issued after a Mumbai court issued non-bailable warrants against both terrorists. (ANI)

US Ambassador Roemer calls for action against Hafiz Saeed

New Delhi, Sept 18 (ANI): Pressurising Pakistan, the United States said it wanted swift and mighty punishment against the perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.

Speaking to reporters, after a meeting with Union Home Minister, P. Chidambaram, the United States Ambassador to India Timothy J Roemer said, bringing the culprits to justice and going after Saeed were important to both India and the United States.

“Swift and mighty punishment for the six Mumbai suspects in Islamabad, is important for United States and is important for India. And going after Saeed is very important and dismantling the infrastructure of LeT in that region is extremely important to the United States and to India,” said Roemer.

The meeting took after reports of two FIR’s against Saeed came late last night.

He has been charged under Pakistan’s Anti-Terrorism Act for making anti-state speeches where he urged activists of the Jamaat-ud-Dawa, the frontline organisation for LeT that he heads, to wage a ‘jehad’.

Saeed has also been charged for heading a charity collection drive during the Ramazan month according to the police.

Earlier, Roemer had called on Pakistan to take action against Saeed.

“There are five, probably six, suspects currently being held in Islamabad in connection with the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. It is extremely important that these six people be brought to justice and put behind bars and receive sentences commensurate with their crimes against India, US and the world,” a news channel quoted Roemer, as saying

“I hope that in future the action on 26/11 includes people like Hafiz Saeed. Recently he was put into an Interpol red flag list,” he added.

The remarks follows Chidambaram’s visit to US, where he had briefed several ministers under the Barack Obama administration about Islamabad’s inaction against perpetrators of the Mumbai carnage.

The attacks, which drew widespread condemnation across the world, began on 26 November 2008 and lasted until 29 November, killing at least 173 people and wounding at least 308. Among the dead were 28 foreign nationals from 10 countries.

Ajmal Amir Kasab, the only attacker who was captured alive, has disclosed that the attackers were members of LeT, which is considered a terrorist organization by the Government of India, the United States, and the United Kingdom, among others.

Interpol has also issued a Red Corner Notice against Saeed, and Zaki -ur- Rehman Lakhvi (another mastermind of the 26/11 attacks). The notice was issued after a Mumbai court issued non-bailable warrants against both terrorists. (ANI)

Tibetans living-in-exile surprised over China’s opposition to Dalai Lama’s visit

Gangtok, Sep 17 (ANI): Members of the exiled Tibetan community living at Gangtok said China’s opposition to the Dalai Lama’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh is “surprising”.

The Dalai Lama plans to visit Arunachal Pradesh soon. China has claimed part of Arunachal as its territory.

The exiled Tibetan spiritual leader’s aide said the Dalai Lama would be in Arunachal Pradesh state in the second week of November.

The intended visit has already sparked off controversy. China claims about 90,000 sq km of Arunachal Pradesh as part of its territory.

The Dalai Lama’s travel plan was announced a week after the completion of his visit to Taiwan, a self-ruled island claimed by Beijing. China denounced the trip.

“This time round when they (Chinese Authorities) are making some kind of pressure or some kind of opposition to the upcoming visit of his holiness to Arunachal Pradesh it is really very surprising.

Why would they complain when the government of India has no problem in his holiness visiting Arunachal Pradesh? So why should people of republic of china have some problem?” said Zimba Bhutia, Tibetan youth committee member.

“Chinese authorities have always been against the trip of Dalai Lama. So I think that they should know why Dalai Lama has been there. Dalai Lama has been welcomed by the people of Arunachal Pradesh as the spiritual and a Buddhist monk,” said Dhondup Dorjee, Tibetan welfare officer of Sikkim.

A visit to Arunachal Pradesh could now draw further attention to China’s treatment of Tibetan activists and the Dalai Lama’s calls for cultural and religious freedoms and autonomy. (ANI)

Now, ‘Australian Fritzl’ who raped daughter, fathered four kids emerges

Melbourne, September 17 (ANI): Lisa Neville, Australian Community Services Minister, has come under fire after huge number of bungling in the child protection services emerged, including a sex horror case of a man accused of fathering four children with his daughter.

Neville is expected to be faced with calls to resign after revelations of failed attempts by Victoria’s Department of Human Services (DHS) to conduct proper background checks on a known sexual predator before letting a child into his care.

The accused is said to have caged his daughter as a virtual prisoner, raping her almost daily from when she was 11 years old, reports the Herald Sun.

All the four kids bore by the woman, who is now under the care of authorities in a safe house, had health problems when delivered in major hospitals in Melbourne. One of the kids died soon after birth.

Their birth certificates do not hold the name of their fathers, prompting alarms as to why questions were not asked at the time.

The man denied the allegations, but was charged after DNA tests allegedly proved he was the father of her children. He is due to appear in court in November.

Comparisons have been drawn between the case and that of Josef Fritzl, the Austrian man who held his daughter as a sex slave for 24 years and fathered seven children with her.

Minister Lisa Neville told ABC Radio: “I was extremely appalled to see the allegations.”

“They are only allegations and are before the courts at the moment and we need to be very careful about how much detail we go into,” Neville said.

“I became aware of this from the media today and I don’t know what, or if, (there has been) any involvement of the police, the department or other agencies … over the past 30 years.

“This will be a priority to look into,” she added. (ANI)

‘Embarrassed’ Musharraf’s close aides shying away from commenting on his misdeeds

Islamabad, Sep.16 (ANI) : Close aides of former Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf are too embarrassed and are shying away from responding to the former general’s claims that he had taken the November 3, 2007 actions only after consulting various top officials, including the then Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz and the current Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Kayani.

Musharraf’s erstwhile close associates find the topic as ‘too dirty’ to speak about and have been avoiding any queries regarding that by simply saying ‘no comments’.

A former spokesman of the Shaukat Aziz government, however, denied that the cabinet had prior knowledge of Musharraf’s plan of imposing the emergency.

When asked about the issue, Lieutenant General (retired) Ali Jan Orakzai said: “It’s such a dirty subject that leaving it untouched would be a better option.”

Orakzai said he is waiting for the apt time to speak on Musharraf’s claims.

“Let’s see the gravity of the subject. I would record my statement before the court in case summoned on this issue,” The News quoted Orakzai, as saying.

When informed about Shaukat Aziz’s statement that he was not consulted on the November 3 actions, Orakzai said issuing such statements from abroad is easier.

“Shaukat Aziz can do this as he is living in London. I can’t do so,” he said.

Former Punjab Governor Lieutenant General (retired) Khalid Maqbool said he has decided not to enter into any controversy related to the past events that occurred during his stint. (ANI)

Iggy Pop to be honoured with living legend award

London, September 16 (ANI): Iggy Pop, often referred to as “the Godfather of Punk”, is set to be honoured with a living legend trophy at the Marshall Classic Rock Roll of Honour awards.

The rocker and former lead singer of ‘The Stooges’ will join previous recipients including Ozzy Osbourne, Jimmy Page and Alice Cooper on November 2 in London.

“All those years of banging away in the dives and palaces of the weird universe of rock are finally adding up to something,” the BBC quoted him as saying.

“The other people who have received this award are absolutely awesome, and I feel very lucky to be included,” he added.

Readers of Classic Rock magazine will vote for other awards at the ceremony. (ANI)

PCB believes India-Pak Champions Trophy clash would help improve ties

Lahore, Sep.16 (ANI): The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is hoping that the encounter between India and Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy would help improve ties between both the countries.

PCB’s Chief Operating Officer (COO) Wasim Bari said the match would help remove the distrust and improve bilateral relations which had deteriorated after the November 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.

“It is a good opportunity for people of both countries to come together and enjoy a good cricket contest. The match can also serve to improve relations and remove distrust. This is a sport and the result should be accepted sportingly,” Bari said.

India will take on Pakistan at Centurion on September 26.

Bari said cricket has always helped in healing differences between both nations, and expressed the hope that this time too it works to resolve the stalemate.

He also stressed that the PCB must improve ties with its Indian counterpart, the Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI).

“Relations between the two boards have always been good even when relations between the governments and people were not so good. Cricket is a big healer for both people of both nations and the PCB must improve its relations with India,” The Nation quoted Bari, as saying. (ANI)

Drought for Pakistan cricket is over : PCB

Karachi, Sep.16 (ANI): The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has expressed hope that the drought of international tournaments for the national squad would soon be over with several foreign tours and multi nation events scheduled for the next few months.

“The dry spell is finally over and that’s a good sign for our cricket,” PCB’s Chief Operating Office (COO) Wasim Bari said, adding, “A lot of positive developments are taking place. I must say that things are improving for Pakistan cricket.”

After virtually spending the last six months in hibernation, Pakistan has a packed cricket calendar in the forthcoming ten months.

Starting from the elite eight-nation ICC Champions Trophy beginning September 22, Pakistan would be touring three continents for a number of Test, one-day and twenty20 matches.

Pakistan is scheduled to ‘host’ New Zealand for four One-day Internationals and two Twenty20 matches in Abu Dhabi and Dubai next month. It will then fly to New Zealand to participate in a three match ‘home’ Test series against the Black Caps in November-December.

Then follows the tough tour of Australia, where they would be playing three Tests, five ODIs and a Twenty20 game. Later, in 2010, Pakistan would be seen defending their ICC World T20 Champions title in the Carribeans.

Bari also expressed hope that international cricket would soon return to Pakistan and claimed that the security scenario was getting better in the country with time.

“Our players will get plenty of cricket in the coming months.

It’s now time that they prove their worth. The security situation (in Pakistan) is getting better every day which is why I’m hopeful for an early return of international cricket here,” The News quoted Bari, as saying. (ANI)

Pak-New Zealand ODI series to be held in UAE

Lahore, Sep 14 (ANI): Pakistan Cricket Board chief Ijaz Butt has said that he has had constructive talks with Emirates Cricket Board officials about holding a proposed ODI series against New Zealand there later this year.

Butt, who is in London, said that he would officially announce the venues for the four One-day Internationals and two Twenty20 matches on Monday after returning home.

“The venues, 90 per cent, would be Abu Dhabi and Dubai once again,” The News quoted Butt, as saying.

New Zealand has refused to tour Pakistan for the scheduled series in October this year because of the volatile security situation in the country.

However, it has agreed to play the matches at neutral venues and host the three Tests in New Zealand in November-December.

Pakistan has already played a one-day series with Australia in Abu Dhabi and Dubai in April-May this year.

Butt visit to the Emirates came after differences erupted over the hosting fees being demanded by the Abu Dhabi and Dubai cricket bodies.

After meeting with the Emirates board officials, Butt travelled to London where he held two rounds of talks with Giles Clarke who heads the Wales and English cricket Board and also leads the special task force of the International Cricket Council formed to explore possibilities for resumption of international cricket in Pakistan. (ANI)

Chinese couple married for 3 months sign 6-month trial separation agreement!

New Delhi, Sep 11 (ANI): A Chinese couple, who has been married for less than three months, has signed an agreement for a six-month trial separation to figure out what they wanted from their lives.

The woman, surnamed Zhang, 26, a resident of Xi’an, capital of Shaanxi province, said that she met Shi online last November and they got married in April this year, reports the China Daily.

Just a month after marriage, however, the couple started quarrelling frequently over trivial things and decided on a trial separation.

But it has barely been two weeks since Zhang moved out of her husband’s house, and she misses him already.

Her husband Shi, too, said once the trial separation period is over he’d like to start afresh with his wife. (ANI)

Pre Inca citadel found in Zana River’s upper basin in Peru

Lima (Peru), September 11 (ANI): Peruvian archaeologist Walter Alva has confirmed that a pre-Inca citadel has been found in Zana river’s upper basin, between the departments of Lambayeque and Cajamarca in Peru.

According to a report in ‘Living in Peru’, it would be an archaeological complex belonging to the Cajamarca culture, from the early Christian era.

Alva, who discovered the royal tombs of the Lord of Sipan, said that so far, there are only remains of stone buildings in the vegetation.

“An expedition will return to the scene in November, to investigate more. This culture is poorly studied by the moment, but will surely generate many archaeological projects,” said Alva.

A group of researchers and archaeologists, biologists traveled through Zana River Upper Basin a few weeks ago, during the eight days, and are now warning that regional cultural richnesses are being threatened by deforestation and mining. (ANI)

Chidambaram discusses counter-terrorism, 26/11 update with US officials

Washington, Sept 10 (ANI): Indian Home Minister P. Chidambaram held meetings here with senior Obama administration officials, including National Security Advisor Lt. Gen. (retired) James Jones, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and the U.S. Attorney General Eric H Holder Jr. on Wednesday.

Enhanced co-operation between India and US on tackling terrorism particularly in South Asia dominated the discussions, sources said.

Pakistan’s inaction in dealing with the perpetrators of 26/11 was also raised.

Chidambaram also met Senator Dianne Feinstein, the Chairwoman of Senate Select Committee on Intelligence.

Chidambaram is scheduled to meet the Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Thursday.

On Tuesday, officials from FBI, intelligence and security agencies and the New York Police briefed Chidambaram about the measures being taken by them to prevent a Mumbai-type terrorist attack.

From walking at the Penn Station, to a briefing by the New York Police, which had made several changes in its counter-terrorism measures post the 26/11 attacks, Chidambaram and his team of officials got to know what a mega city like New York can do to protect itself from terrorists without inconveniencing its residents.

Chidambaram was also informed about the coast guard facility at Staten Island. It was an important aspect of his trip given that the terrorists who attacked Mumbai on November 26 last year entered Mumbai through the sea route.

Within hours of his landing in New York, Chidambaram visited the Joint Terror Task Force Centre of the FBI where he was given an exclusive briefing by the New York Police Department.

Before leaving New York City for Washington by train, Chidambaram was briefed about security of the Mass Transport System at the Penn station.

The Home Minister is also scheduled to meet the top US intelligence and security officials, including FBI Director Robert Mueller and Director of National Intelligence Dennis C Blair; besides meeting National Security Adviser, Gen (Retd) James Jones at the White House. A tour of the National Counter-terrorism Centre in Virginia is also on his itinerary.

Besides meeting experts and think-tanks” members, Chidambaram is expected to hold talks with key US lawmakers, including Senator Joe Lieberman, Chairman, Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee; and Congressman Sylvester Reyes, Chairman, House Select Committee on Intelligence. (ANI)

Britain, France feared Berlin Wall fall would mark return of Nazi era

London, Sep.10 (ANI): Britain and France feared the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 would return Nazi-era ambitions to Germany.

East German border guards demolished a section of the wall on November 11, 1989

Secret British government documents to be published on Friday reveal the deep anxieties felt by Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and President Frangois Mitterrand, following the fall of the wall.

According to The Telegraph, the documents, published by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, show that Mitterrand privately warned Lady Thatcher that a reunited Germany might “make even more ground than had Hitler”.

They also show that in January 1990, weeks after the fall of the Berlin Wall, Mitterrand warned Lady Thatcher that the prospect of reunification was turning the Germans into the “bad” people they used to be.

Thatcher’s deep-seated opposition to reunification, and her disagreement with the FCO over the issue, also emerges in the 500 published papers.

The Government’s decision to publish the papers, ahead of Germany’s 20th anniversary celebrations of the fall of the wall, will be seen as an attempt to show that officials were positive about reunification early on, despite Lady Thatcher’s personal concerns. (ANI)

Wedding bells for Kate Hudson, A-Rod?

London, Sept 10 (ANI): Kate Hudson has kicked off rumours of a wedding with boyfriend Alex Rodriguez after being spotted with a diamond sparkler on her ring finger.

The 30-year-old actress has had a smooth relationship with the Yankees ace “A-Rod” ever since she began dating him last November, reports the Daily Star.

However, spokespersons of both stars could not be contacted to confirm the marriage plans.

Hudson has previously married The Black Crowes fronmant Chris Robinson, before getting divorced in October 2007.

She has also dated actor Owen Wilson and ace cyclist Lance Armstrong. (ANI)

Guns N’ Roses coming to India

Washington, Sept 10 (ANI): American rock band Guns N’ Roses are set to organize a concert in India.

According to reports, the band, fronted by Axl Rose, have already signed on to perform at the Palace Grounds in Bengaluru on 7 November (09).

However, local promoters are in talks with people in Mumbai, Delhi and Shillong.

“It is true that we are bringing Guns N’ Roses to India,” Contactmusic quoted Raj Sinha, director of Rhapsody Inc., the company behind the confirmed Bengaluru concert, as saying.

“As of now, I can tell you that the Bengaluru concert has been confirmed. We’re still in talks with people in Mumbai and Delhi, so let’s hope that works out. However, there is a good chance we can take the band to Shillong as well.

“I can confirm that Axl Rose and Dizzy Reed will be there. DJ Ashba, their latest (addition), will be there. There will also be a person called Troy and two other members,” he added. (ANI)

Chidambaram meets FBI, New York Police officials, gets anti-terrorism tips

New York/Washington, Sep.9 (ANI): India’s Home Minister P. Chidambaram on Tuesday, was briefed by officials from FBI, intelligence and security agencies and the New York Police about the measures being taken by them to prevent a Mumbai-type terrorist attack.

From walking at the Penn Station, to a briefing by the New York Police, which had made several changes in its counter-terrorism measures post the 26/11 attacks, Chidambaram and his team of officials got to know what a mega city like New York can do to protect itself from terrorists without inconveniencing its residents.

Chidambaram was also informed about the coast guard facility at Staten Island. It was an important aspect of his trip given that the terrorists who attacked Mumbai on November 26 last year entered Mumbai through the sea route.

Within hours of his landing in New York, Chidambaram visited the Joint Terror Task Force Centre of the FBI where he was given an exclusive briefing by the New York Police Department.

Before leaving New York City for Washington by train, Chidambaram was briefed about security of the Mass Transport System at the Penn station.

In Washington, Chidambaram will meet with top Obama Administration officials, heads of intelligence and security agencies and influential lawmakers over the next three days.

Apart from discussing the 26/11 dossiers that India has submitted to Pakistan,Chidambaram will also discuss issues related to combating financing of terrorism and steps which will need to be taken in this regard as well as with regard to prevention of money laundering.

Ways to strengthen Indo-US anti-terrorism cooperation are among the issues likely to figure prominently in the talks on Wednesday and Thursday.

Chidambaram will meet his counterpart Janet Napolitano; Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner and Attorney General Eric H Holder.

The Home Minister is also scheduled to meet the top US intelligence and security officials, including FBI Director Robert Mueller and Director of National Intelligence Dennis C Blair; besides meeting National Security Adviser, Gen (Retd) James Jones at the White House. A tour of the National Counter-terrorism Centre in Virginia is also on his itinerary.

Besides meeting experts and think-tanks’ members, Chidambaram is expected to hold talks with key US lawmakers, including Senator Joe Lieberman, Chairman, Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee; and Congressman Sylvester Reyes, Chairman, House Select Committee on Intelligence. (ANI)

Delhi Court to hear Bofors pay-off case today

New Delhi, Sep 8 (ANI): A Delhi court will hear the Bofors payoffs case against Italian businessman Ottavio Quattrocchi today. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) may reveal its course of action following the withdrawal of Interpol’s Red Corner Notice against him.

The matter is to come up for hearing before Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Kaveri Baweja.

During the brief hearing on April 30, Additional Solicitor General P P Malhotra, appearing for CBI, had informed the court that the Red Corner Notice issued against Quattrocchi was withdrawn in November last year.

The ASG had also sought two months time to decide on the future course of action in the politically-sensitive case on the court’s query as to what options were left with the probe agency following the withdrawal of the Red Corner Notice.

The Bofors scandal was a major corruption scandal in India in the 1980s, when the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and several others were accused of receiving kickbacks from Bofors AB for winning a bid to supply the Indian Army with 155 mm howitzer guns.

The court had on February 10, 1997, sent letters to Malaysia and the UAE seeking the arrest and extradition of Quattrocchi.

The CBI had registered the FIR in the Bofors case on January 22, 1990, three years after Swedish Radio on April 16, 1987, claimed that A B Bofors, the makers of the 155 mm howitzers, had paid kickbacks to top Indian politicians and key defence officials to secure the Rs 1,437 crore gun deal.The contract between the Indian government and the Swedish Company for the supply of 400 field guns was signed on March, 24, 1986. (ANI)