NAPSNET Week in Review 14 June, 2002

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United States


1. US Missile Shield

The death of the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty on Thursday cleared the way for digging interceptor silos in Alaska and for missile tests barred by the pact. As the US exit from the treaty was taking effect at midnight Eastern time (0400 GMT on Friday), the Pentagon’s Missile Defense Agency planned to shoot down a mock warhead launched from Kauai, Hawaii, using the Navy’s Standard Missile-3 interceptor aboard the USS Lake Erie, an Aegis guided missile cruiser. The sea-based bid to smash a ballistic missile-delivered target would have been legal under the ABM treaty, and the timing of the test was “sheer coincidence,” said Chris Taylor, a Missile Defense Agency spokesman. No coincidence, however, was the start of earth work for silos to house future interceptors at Fort Greely, about 100 miles (160 km) southeast of Fairbanks. Breaking ground for a national missile defense base was barred by the treaty. The so-called Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) Test Bed “is not intended as a deployment site for an operational system at this time,” the Defense Department said in a statement Thursday.
“US Missile Shield” (NAPSNet Daily Report, June 13 US)


2. US to PRC on DPRK Refugees

US House lawmakers called on the PRC to live up to its international obligations and treat DPRK asylum seekers humanely. In a resolution passed 406-0, the legislators said that the PRC should be urged to halt “the forced repatriation of North Koreans who face a well-founded fear of persecution if they are returned to North Korea.” The measure also urged PRC officials to make “genuine efforts to identify and protect the refugees among the North Korean migrants.” This would include “providing refugees with a reasonable opportunity to request asylum.”
“US to PRC on DPRK Refugees” (NAPSNet Daily Report, June 13 US)


Republic of Korea


1. ROK Domestic Politics

Presidential candidate of the ROK’s ruling party, Roh Moo-Hyun, has put his nomination on the line after the party suffered a humiliating defeat in local elections. The opposition Grand National Party (GNP) swept 11 out of the 16 major posts decided in Thursday’s elections. Roh has been running neck-and-neck with the GNP’s candidate Lee Hoi-Chang in opinion poll surveys ahead of the December election to find a replacement for Kim, who must stand down at the end of his single permissible five year term. But Roh vowed before the local polls that he would put his position as presidential candidate on the line if the MDP failed to win his home region around the southern city of Busan.
“ROK Domestic Politics” (NAPSNet Daily Report, June 14 US)


2. DPRK-US Relations

The Bush administration now wants to send its first envoy to the DPRK for the first time since coming to office 18 months ago, a senior official said on Friday. The US intention was disclosed in an interview with US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage before US-North Korea talks in New York on Friday aimed at restarting a senior-level dialogue. “We will travel to New York to meet with the North Korea delegation, and afterward, at a time convenient to the authorities in Pyongyang, we would like to travel to Pyongyang,” Armitage told the Korean Broadcasting System in the interview on Thursday.
“DPRK-US Relations” (NAPSNet Daily Report, June 14 US)
“DPRK-US Talks” (NAPSNet Daily Report, June 14 ROK)


3. Inter-Korean Relations

On the eve of the second anniversary of a historic summit accord, the ROK on Friday urged the DPRK to revive stalled talks aimed at resuming a reconciliation process on the divided Korean Peninsula. In a letter sent to the DPRK, ROK Unification Minister Jeong Se-hyun said both sides must hold a round of economic talks that were canceled last month. “South Korea and North Korea must revive the spirit of reconciliation and restore inter-Korean relations without delay,” Jeong said. “To this end, the inter-Korean economic talks must open promptly.”
“Inter-Korean Relations” (NAPSNet Daily Report, June 14 US)


4. Australia Helping DPRK

The Australian government on Wednesday announced it would extend 7 million Aussie dollars for aid to DPRK via the World Food Program and United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund. The aid is intended to “help alleviate hunger and malnutrition amongst its most vulnerable people,” Canberra said Friday. Australia also will send 11,000 metric tons of wheat worth 6 million Aussie dollars and sugar worth 500,000 Aussie dollars. Another 500,000 Aussie dollars will go for vitamins and medicine.
“Australia Helping DPRK” (NAPSNet Daily Report, June 14 ROK)


5. DPRK’s Criticism on US

Criticizing US Secretary of State Colin Powell’s remark that pointed out resumption of dialogue between DPRK and US depends on the DPRK’s future attitude, the DPRK’s Foreign Ministry claimed it is US that needs an attitude adjustment. Powell, speaking at the Asia Society Annual Dinner on Monday, said that the DPRK needs to give up development and proliferation of weapons, comply with nuclear inspections and improve living conditions for its people. “This is in fact, a precondition for the dialogue,” Korean Central Broadcasting said Friday. The broadcast said the US was changing its stance of being open to talks “without any preconditions.”
“DPRK’s Criticism on US” (NAPSNet Daily Report, June 14 ROK)


6. ROK’s Aid to Afghanistan

The Ministry of Defense announced Saturday it decided to dispatch a medical support unit to Afghanistan and to provide such equipment as backpacks and walkie-talkies to aid the launch of the ANA, the Afghan military forces. The medical team is expected to be dispatched to Kabul, Afghanistan at the end of this month to provide medical services for Afghan trainees. The ministry is also providing some 50,000 pieces of equipment and supplies. However it decided not to provide soldiers, military engineers, and mice-removing devices, which were unofficially discussed between ROK and US, in consideration of the negative public opinion surrounding these issues.
“ROK’s Aid to Afghanistan” (NAPSNet Daily Report, June 14 ROK)


7. US Vehicle Accident

Two Korean teenagers were killed Thursday after being struck by a US Army armored vehicle participating in a training exercise near Yangju in northern Gyeonggi province. According to police, the accident occurred when the vehicle, which is 3.67 meters wide, was traveling along the 3.40-meter-wide road. The two 14-year-old girls were on their way to a friend’s birthday party when they were hit, police said. “We are deeply saddened by this tragic event,” said Lieutenant General Daniel R. Zanini, commander of the 8th U.S. Army in a press release. The 8th Army public affairs office in Yongsan, Seoul, reported that the accident is under investigation by the Korean national police and the 2d Infantry Division Military Office.
“US Vehicle Accident” (NAPSNet Daily Report, June 14 ROK)


People’s Republic of China


1. PRC-ROK DPRK Asylum Seekers Incident

The ROK and the PRC plunged into a diplomatic row on Friday after violent scuffles broke out at the ROK consulate in Beijing when police hauled away a DPRK asylum-seeker. At least one ROK diplomat was injured in the brawl, which was broadcast on ROK television. The DPRK man’s 13-year-old son eluded the guards and is holed up with 17 other DPRK asylum seekers in the consulate. The ROK Foreign Ministry called in the PRC’s ambassador to protest and demanded the detained DPRK man be handed back. The PRC leveled the same charge at the ROK diplomats who attempted to thwart the police. PRC Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jiancha denied that the PRC was to blame and slammed the ROK diplomats who scuffled with police. “Their behaviour was extremely incompatible with their diplomatic status and violated international law. China expresses extreme displeasure,” he said.
“PRC-ROK DPRK Asylum Seekers Incident” (NAPSNet Daily Report, June 14 US)
“PRC-ROK DPRK Asylum Seekers Incident” (NAPSNet Daily Report, June 13 US)


2. PRC-Taiwan Espionage Case

A retired Taiwanese air force officer accused of espionage allegedly began spying on Taiwan after he was charged in the PRC for selling fake national treasures, a government statement said. The PRC released the suspect, Liu Kuo-chen, about 10 years ago on condition he would spy on Taiwan, according to the statement, which provides the most details yet about one of the biggest Taiwan-PRC spy cases in years. When he returned to Taiwan in 1991, he began collecting maps of freeways and bridges from libraries. But in 2000, he started using his son – Liu Yueh-long, a naval radio decoder – to gather information, the statement said. Liu Yueh-long allegedly provided his father with naval combat codes as well as sensitive photographs of Taiwanese navy vessels and ports. Investigators finally arrested Liu and his son more than a week ago. If found guilty by a military court, Liu’s son could face the death penalty. The senior Liu, who will be tried in a civilian court, could face at least five years in prison.
“PRC-Taiwan Espionage Case” (NAPSNet Daily Report, June 14 US)
“Cross-Straits Espionage” (NAPSNet Daily Report, June 13 US)


3. Taiwan-Europe Relations

Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian lauded the success of European integration, and spoke of the positive cooperation that exists between Taiwan and Europe on issues such as the World Trade Organization (WTO), while addressing guests at the recent Europe Day Dinner (May 31). President Chen Shui-bian commented: “The integration of Europe has several noteworthy attributes that should be pointed out for the benefit of all,” and said that European integration had led to peace, prosperity, strength and freedom.
“Taiwan-Europe Relations” (NAPSNet Daily Report, June 14 US)


4. PRC-ROK Relations

PRC Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao confirmed that some “unidentified” persons illegally entered the embassies of the ROK and Canada in Beijing recently. Some of them entered the ROK Embassy when claiming to be visa applicants, said the report. Acknowledging that the PRC has kept in contact with the ROK Embassy on the issue, Liu said the country will continue to handle it in line with international laws, domestic laws and the humanitarian spirit.
“PRC-ROK Relations” (NAPSNet Daily Report, June 14 PRC)


5. PRC-US Relations

US Secretary of State Collin Powell made a speech on US Asia policy on June 10 at the Asia Association of the US. In the speech, the report said that Powell stressed that the US hopes to continue its cooperation with the PRC to promote world stability. According to the report, Powell said that in the past year US-PRC relations have made great progress. The two countries explored cooperation in some new areas such as anti-terrorism, promoting regional stability and etc.
“PRC-ROK Relations” (NAPSNet Daily Report, June 14 PRC)


6. PRC-Russian Relations

PRC President Jiang Zemin said on June 6 in St. Petersburg that Russia is an important force in the world affairs, and a better relationship between Russia, the US and Europe will be good to world peace, security and stability. Jiang made the remarks during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the eve of the second summit meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). The top priority facing the two countries now is to implement the Sino-Russian Good-Neighborly Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation, Jiang said, adding that the two countries should conduct cooperation in the economic and trade areas while strengthening mutual trust politically. Putin said his meeting with Jiang would help strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries, which was also helpful to maintaining world peace.
“PRC-Russian Relations” (NAPSNet Daily Report, June 14 PRC)


7. Across-Taiwan Straits Relations

Senior officials and experts from both sides of the Taiwan Straits vowed to speed up the process of widening financial cooperation between the two sides when they addressed a seminar at the Fourth International Investment and Trade Symposium held in Ningbo in East PRC’s Zhejiang Province at the weekend. According to the report, experts said that, although there had been a steady improvement between the two sides in the expansion of mutual economic exchange in the past decade or so, the mainland and Taiwan are still developing comparatively slowly in the financial sector, which has in many ways blocked economic growth. More than 50,000 Taiwan firms now operate on the mainland, with an actual investment amount of about US$30 billion, said the report. However, it said, many businesses face financing problems, especially small and medium-sized business. Qi Xue, president of the Taiwan Academy of Banking and Financing, said: “In order to change the current situation of no direct financial business exchange across the Straits, the Taiwan authorities are substantially opening a new door for direct financial contact the Chinese mainland.”
“Across-Taiwan Straits Relations” (NAPSNet Daily Report, June 14 PRC)


8. PRC on DPRK Asylum Seekers

The PRC has issued a notice to all foreign embassies requesting they hand over any further DPRK “trespassers” to PRC police, a foreign ministry spokesman said. “Based on international law … China hopes relevant embassies will take the initiative and cooperate,” spokesman Liu Jianchao told reporters. “Once they find people illegally breaking into the embassy and consulates, staff members at the missions should notify the foreign ministry’s consular affairs department and also hand over the trespassers to China’s police.”
“PRC on DPRK Asylum Seekers” (NAPSNet Daily Report, June 13 US)


9. PRC Detains US Missionary

The PRC confirmed on Thursday it had detained a Korean-American missionary on charges of raping children and helping DPRK asylum seekers sneak into the PRC. PRC Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao told reporters Joseph Choi was detained on May 12 in the PRC’s northeastern province of Jilin, which borders the DPRK. Liu said the PRC notified the US consulate of Choi’s detention in the northeastern city of Shenyang on May 15 and that a US consul had visited Choi two days later. Liu gave no details of the charges against Choi.
“PRC Detains US Missionary” (NAPSNet Daily Report, June 13 US)


10. Shanghai Organization for Cooperation

The 2nd summit of the Shanghai Organization for Cooperation (SHOC) took place in Saint Petersburg. Their leaders signed the Saint Petersburg Declaration which makes it possible for it to register as a formal body at the UN as a regional organization. SHOC headquarters are to be stationed in Beijing. In their Final Declaration the summit members declared the PRC government was the only lawful one representing “the whole of China,” with Taiwan being its inalienable part, called on India and Pakistan to resume dialogue and called on Israel and Palestinians to abide to UN resolutions and return to dialogue. RF President Vladimir Putin said SHOC was not a closed bloc and admitted a possibility of India as the first candidate to join it. Putin also did not rule out the US becoming a member. Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev suggested three stages for further members: a dialogue partner, an observer and a full-fledged member.
“Russian Federation” (NAPSNet Daily Report, June 11 RF)


Japan


1. Japan’s Nuclear Stance

Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and one of his top aides assured Parliament on June 10 that, despite reports hinting otherwise, Japan is not planning to change its long-standing policy banning the possession, construction or transport of nuclear weapons on its soil. The report said Koizumi has repeatedly tried to quell a fracas over Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuo Fukuda’s recent remark. Fukuda insisted his comments were taken out of context, the report said. “It was reported that I hinted at a change in policy,” Fukuda said before the Parliament session. “This is absolutely different from what my beliefs are,” said Fukuda.

“Japan’s Nuclear Stance” (NAPSNet Daily Report, June 14 PRC)


2. Govt Unable To Settle Asylum-Seeker Row

Japan and the PRC have yet to start discussions aimed at resolving a diplomatic row over DPRK asylum-seekers who were seized from the Japanese Consulate General in Shenyang a month ago. A resolution has been indefinitely postponed as the two governments have not even scheduled talks over whether PRC police infringed Japan’s rights of inviolability by entering the facility. Since the incident, the government has been reviewing its policy toward refugees and asylum-seekers, as well as the Foreign Ministry’s crisis-management system, which has been questioned by the public. After the incident, the government was strongly criticized for not having a clear policy on asylum-seekers and other refugees. In an effort to clarify such issues, it set up a private advisory panel to report to Justice Minister Mayumi Moriyama.
“Govt Unable To Settle Asylum-Seeker Row” (NAPSNet Daily Report, June 10 Japan)


3. Japanese Armed Attack Situations Bill

Even the ruling coalitions’ own witnesses criticized the military emergency bills at public hearings. One such critic was Tottori Governor Yoshihiro Katayama, who the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) chose as a witness in his prefectural capital. “These bills have a major defect in them,” he said, referring to provisions in the bills that would compel local governments to cooperate with the central government in the event of an armed attack on the nation. Coalition partner New Komeito’s witness proposed further debate before passing the bills. Witnesses chosen by the opposition parties were quick to link the bills with two recent government scandals. One is the Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuo Fukuda’s remark on non-nuclear principles and the other is the misuse of personal data by the Self-Defense Forces.
“Japanese Armed Attack Situations Bill” (NAPSNet Daily Report, June 10 Japan)


4. Japanese Nuclear Policy

An A-bomb victims group submitted a letter to the office of Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi on Thursday to protest Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuo Fukuda’s recent remarks that Japan may compromise its three non-nuclear principles. “There are no weapons more powerful than nuclear arms. Why did (the remarks) not violate the war-renouncing Constitution? The three non-nuclear principles should immediately be enshrined into law,” the letter by the Japan Confederation of Atomic and Hydrogen Bombs Suffering Organization (Hidankyo) said. About 50 members of the group also denounced Fukuda in front of the prime minister’s office, shouting, “We demand that Fukuda step down.”
“Japanese Nuclear Policy” (NAPSNet Daily Report, June 10 Japan)


5. Misuse of Personal Data by SDF

Three information arms of the Defense Agency scrambled to cover their tracks when reports first surfaced last month it was keeping unauthorized records on individuals seeking information under the disclosure law. The information offices of the Ground and Air Self-Defense Forces as well as the central information office at the Defense Agency placed their respective lists of information seekers on a LAN. But they immediately pulled the lists when a lieutenant commander in the Maritime SDF admitted on May 28 that he was behind the endeavor.
“Misuse of Personal Data by SDF” (NAPSNet Daily Report, June 10 Japan)


6. Japanese Logistical Support for US

Two Maritime Self-Defense Force ships left Japan on Saturday for the Arabian Sea to provide US-led forces operating there with logistic support in their military campaign against terrorism. The 8,150-ton supply ship Hamana departed from Sasebo base, while the 3,550-ton destroyer Setogiri set sail from the Ominato base in Aomori Prefecture.


7. Moves against US Subcritical Nuclear Test

The governors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the mayor of Nagasaki and many other municipal officials protested Saturday over a US subcritical nuclear test. In a letter sent to US President George W. Bush, Hiroshima Governor Yuzan Fujita said he is angry that the US conducted the test Friday despite repeated calls on it not to do so. He described the test as “a challenge to the international community.” Fujita also criticized the Bush administration for not ruling out a possible nuclear attack against Iran and Iraq. Nagasaki Governor Genjiro Kaneko and Nagasaki Mayor Itcho Ito also sent similar protest messages to the US Embassy in Tokyo. “It is a very dangerous act that could lead to a nuclear arms race,” Kaneko wrote in his letter. Other Japanese cities joined the chorus of anger. Kyoto Mayor Yorikane Masumoto and Toshiko Isobe, chairwoman of the city assembly, sent a protest letter to Bush calling on US to suspend all nuclear tests.
“Moves against US Subcritical Nuclear Test” (NAPSNet Daily Report, June 10 Japan)


Nuclear Issues


1. Related News and Analysis

M.V. Ramana’s essay in the Daily Times argues that “adopting ideas about how to deploy or use nuclear weapons – especially tactical weapons – from the cold war rivals would be suicidal.” According to Pervez Hoodbhoy, a Pakistani physicist, people in Pakistan “are not afraid [of nuclear war] because of simple ignorance” of what such a war would mean. In another interview with the daily Times of India, Hoodbhoy stated that “religious fundamentalism – Islamic and Hindu – has devastated both countries.” In her essay for Outlook, India, novelist Arundhati Roy writes that nuclear weapons “violate everything that is humane, they alter the meaning of life.”
“Related News and Analysis” (SANDNet Weekly Update, V.3 #21)


Afghanistan


1. Current Situation

Over 5,000 members of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) are now stationed in Kabul. ISAF has reportedly come under rocket fire in Gardez. The US forces mistakenly killed three members of the security squad of Governor of Logar, Dr Fazlullah Mujaddadi.
“Current Situation” (SANDNet Weekly Update, V.3 #21)


2. Reconstruction

Delegates at the Loya Jirga elected Hamid Karzai, the leader of the current interim administration, as Afghanistan’s head of state. According to some reports, Karzai had the support of various warlords, former King Zahir Shah and members of the interim cabinet. The proceedings of the Loya Jirga were marked by delays, confusion and walkouts. Secretary of State Colin Powell has denied accusations that the US pushed for Karzai’s nomination. Ahmed Rashid’s report in the Far Eastern Economic Review indicates that the political process in Afghanistan has been “seriously jeopardized by the failure of international donors to come up with sufficient funding for the reconstruction of the country or to support the government budget.”
“Reconstruction” (SANDNet Weekly Update, V.3 #21)


3. Humanitarian Crisis

Over a million Afghans refugees have reportedly returned to their country.
“Humanitarian Crisis” (SANDNet Weekly Update, V.3 #21)


India-Pakistan Tensions


1. News

Following the visit of the US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage the tensions between India and Pakistan have eased somewhat. President Musharraf’s promise to crackdown on militants crossing into Kashmir was followed by India’s lifting of ban on the use of its airspace by Pakistani commercial aircrafts. India has also ordered its western fleet to end patrols off Pakistani waters in the Arabian Sea. India has reportedly told the visiting US defense secretary Donald Rumsfeld that it is not planning any further immediate measures to diffuse the crisis. Pakistan’s current envoy to Malaysia and former foreign secretary Najmuddin Shaikh has indicated that some militant groups may not be “entirely subservient” to the wishes of the government. K.P. Nayar’s report in the daily Telegraph, India, examines the role of Brajesh Mishra, national security adviser to Vajpayee, in diffusing the India- Pakistan crisis. According to a report by Muzamil Jaleel in the daily Indian Express, the reduction in tension has had very little impact on Indian troops deployed along the Line of Control (LoC). India’s Defence Secretary Yogendra Narain has denied reports that the US and Britain have suspended arms sales to India.
“News” (SANDNet Weekly Update, V.3 #21)


2. Analysis and Opinions

In an essay for the daily Indian Express, J.N. Dixit argues that present circumstances require India to act “decisively in operational terms against Pakistan’s activities in J&K.” V.R. Raghavan (daily Hindu) criticizes the Indian government for “the belief that war can be used as political theatre to demonstrate resolve against the adversary.” John Chipman & Gary Samore suggest a set of steps that can make both Prime Minister Vajpayee and President Musharraf “come out winners” in the current crisis. Pratap Mehta (daily Hindu) believes that for a “genuine dialogue to be possible the entire discourse on Kashmir will have to change: both [India and Pakistan] will have to see the issue as a non-zero sum game, that is look for a resolution where both can win.” Iffat Malik’s essay in the daily Dawn argues that if India and Pakistan were to go to war “they will do so purely because of domestic politics.” Sadanand Dhume (Far eastern Economic Review) also argues that because of domestic political compulsions “even if Pakistan stops militant infiltration into Kashmir, it may not be enough to stop war.”
“Analysis and Opinions” (SANDNet Weekly Update, V.3 #21)


1. Kashmir Internal Situation

Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld has toned down his earlier statements that al-Qaeda militants may be operating in Kashmir. Syed Ali Shah Geelani, a leader of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC), was arrested under the recently enacted Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA); his arrest caused a protest strike in Srinager. Zafar Meraj’s essay in Outlook, India, examines the recent split in Hizbul Mujahideen, Kashmir’s most prominent militant group. Pradeep Dutta’s report for the daily Indian Express suggests “growing differences” between Pakistan based Lashkar-e-Toiba and the Hizbul Mujahideen.
“Internal Situation” (SANDNet Weekly Update, V.3 #21)


3. India, Pakistan, US

In an interview with the daily Frontier Post, the chairman of the Muttahida Jehad Council, an alliance of 15 Jihadi organizations, has ruled out the possibility of any ceasefire with India. The Defence Council of Pakistan and Afghanistan, a loose coalition of various Pakistani political parties, has accused President Musharraf of “total surrender” to the US and compromising the ‘Kashmir cause.’ Writing for the daily Frontier Post, Kamila Shamsie stressed the need to “stop thinking about Kashmir in terms of what India and Pakistan want, and start thinking about the rights of the Kashmiris.”
“India, Pakistan, US” (SANDNet Weekly Update, V.3 #21)


Pakistan and India


1. Pakistan: Domestic Situation

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Abdul Sattar has offered resignation for “health reasons.” President Musharraf has reportedly decided to retain Abdul Sattar and not appoint a new foreign minister. According to a report initially published by the Newsweek, Pakistani jihadis have promised to continue their fight in Kashmir. Leader of various Pakistani political parties have reaffirmed their support of the “Kashmiris’ struggle in a principled and political manner.” K.P. Nayar’s report in the daily Telegraph suggests “a split in the Pakistani establishment on turning off the terrorist tap permanently.” A Daily Times editorial criticizes the Pakistan government for giving contradictory signals about the recently announced ban on 115 Madaris [seminaries] allegedly involved in extremism and militancy.
“Pakistan: Domestic Situation” (SANDNet Weekly Update, V.3 #21)


2. India: Domestic Situation

The ruling National Democratic Alliance has proposed Abdul Kalam – once in charge of India’s missile development program – for the president of India. According to a report by Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), India is the 11th largest military spender in the world with $12.9 billion budgetary expenditure for 2001.
“India: Domestic Situation” (SANDNet Weekly Update, V.3 #21)


3. U.S.-India Relations

An editorial in the daily Nation, Pakistan, believes that the US is favoring India. Maqsudul Hasan Nuri’s essay in the daily News, Pakistan, expresses concern over “the increasing solidification of the Indo-Israel nexus in the past few years.”
“U.S.-India Relations” (SANDNet Weekly Update, V.3 #21)

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