The Hindu : National : Rebuff U.S. demand on pipeline, says CPI(M)

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Sep 12, 2005

National

National

Rebuff U.S. demand on pipeline, says CPI(M)

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: The Communist Party of India (Marxist) on Sunday said the United Progressive Alliance Government should "firmly rebuff" the U.S. demand that India give up the gas pipeline project with Iran and join hands with it in pressuring Teheran into halting its nuclear programme. Also, the Government should "consider whether its recent enthusiasm for allying with the U.S. as a strategic partner is serving the country's interests."

`Arrogant hegemonism'

On the U.S. demand that India give up the pipeline project, the party's Polit Bureau said: "India's relations with Iran and its quest for energy security cannot be hostage to the U.S.A's arrogant hegemonism." The Bush administration should desist from "pressurising India to join its crusade against Iran."

Referring to the statement of U.S. Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice that India along with Russia and China should join the U.S. in demanding that Iran halt its nuclear programme, it said: "It shows how the United States expects India to behave if it wants the status of a strategic ally."

It also took note of how U.S. Congressman Tom Lantos at the House International Relations Committee "crudely hectored India to take into account U.S. concerns about Iran if it wishes to receive benefits from the U.S."

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

National