The Hindu : National : “Nimitz coming on India’s invitation”

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Monday, Jul 02, 2007
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“Nimitz coming on India’s invitation”

New Delhi: The United States on Sunday said its aircraft carrier USS Nimitz, whose arrival in Chennai is being objected to by Left and other parties, was visiting India on India’s invitation and sought to downplay fears over nuclear weapons on board as a “non-issue”.

“Well, let’s remember that Nimitz is visiting with an invitation from the Government of India to make the visit. It is not coming into your territorials water, it’s coming in with your consent. It’s invited,” U.S. Ambassador to India David Mulford told NDTV.

His comments came as the Left parties announced plans to organise protests in Chennai during Nimitz’s port call.

“I think the Indian authorities have gone through this entire question of the visit and they have declared themselves satisfied on all fronts. And therefore, I think it’s a non-issue,” he said when asked how he would respond to the Left’s protest over Nimitz’s arrival.

Mr. Mulford declined to confirm or deny whether the controversial vessel had nuclear weapons on board, citing the U.S. policy.

He said the U.S. carrier offered Indians an opportunity to see a large ship carrying modern weaponry. — PTI

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