The Hindu : National : CPI(M) concern over joint exercise

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Saturday, Jul 14, 2007
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CPI(M) concern over joint exercise

Special Correspondent

KOCHI: CPI (M) Polit Bureau member Sitaram Yechury on Friday said his party was “deeply concerned” about the joint naval exercise planned by India, the U.S., Japan, Australia and Singapore in the Bay of Bengal in September.

At a news conference here, Mr. Yechury asked the United Progressive Alliance Government to stick to the foreign policy as outlined in the Common Minimum Programme.

He said the joint exercise was not in India’s interests. It would unnecessarily draw India into a specific regional grouping [of countries]. “It is not a good policy to be part of any regional grouping.”

Mr. Yechury warned that it would “jeopardise our relationships” with other countries. At a time when India’s “Look East” policy was paying dividends and ties with ASEAN countries were in an upswing, the exercise was unwarranted. He also referred to the visit of the U.S. aircraft carrier USS Nimitz.

Vice-President post

He said the ruling coalition at the Centre was looking for an ideal candidate for the Vice-President’s post. The candidate should measure up to the prestige of the office and have “impeccable secular credentials.”

As the Vice-President was the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, he/she should be efficient enough to run the House’s proceedings.

Nuclear deal

On India signing a nuclear pact with the U.S., Mr. Yechury said the agreement should be in tune with the nine-point commitment the Prime Minister gave to Parliament. “If the pact violated the commitment, it would not be acceptable to us.” Two key points were that India should retain its right to reprocess nuclear waste and that there should be no cap on its right to conduct nuclear tests.

He said his party was against nuclear weaponisation, but the decision should be India’s, not dictated by outsiders.

International treaties

Mr. Yechury called for ratification of international treaties by Parliament as now the Executive could sign such treaties without consulting the Legislature. A constitutional amendment would be needed for this provision.

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