The Hindu : U.S. welcomes Indo-Israeli friendship

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Sep 10, 2003

International

International - India & World

U.S. welcomes Indo-Israeli friendship

By Sridhar Krishnaswami

Washington Sept. 9. Even while maintaining that the visit of the Israeli Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon, to India is a bilateral matter between the two countries, the United States has welcomed Indo-Israeli friendship and expressed willingness to work constructively with both sides if its "support or approval" was needed.

The State Department spokesman was asked about Mr. Sharon's visit and on the arms deal between India and Israel.

"... simply put... this is a bilateral matter between India and Israel," Richard Boucher said. "We have had excellent relations with Israel, excellent relations with India. I suppose we're always glad when friends make friends with each other and work together. We think we have a lot of common interests and I'm sure they feel like they have common interests as well," the spokesman said.

"So we'll work with both India and Israel. If there's anything where our support or approval is needed in their relationship, we'll try to work constructively with both sides," Mr. Boucher added. The spokesman was asked if there was any U.S. objection as far as the arms deals between India and Israel were concerned. "Well, depends what's being sold, but there have been sales before that we have raised no objection to," Mr. Boucher said.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

International

News Update

Stories in this Section

Jaitley reaffirms Indian position on farm subsidies

Two faces of globalisation

Bush plea under Congress' microscope

Iraq admitted to Arab League

`Blair's Iraq policy a shambles'

Trilateral accord to form IT hub

Pak. frees more fishermen

U.S. welcomes Indo-Israeli friendship

Kanishka trial resumes

Talk of n-war, a thing of the past, says Musharraf

Indian workers sue U.S. firm