The Hindu : National : Pranab: joint exercises part of security strategy

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Friday, Dec 28, 2007
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Pranab: joint exercises part of security strategy

Special Correspondent

They showcase prowess of defence forces

NEW DELHI: External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee said here on Thursday said the joint military exercises with other nations were part of a security strategy and they would continue.

Talking to reporters on the sidelines of the 80th annual conference of the Nikhil Bharat Banga Sahitya Sammelan, which he presided over, Mr. Mukherjee said the military exercises also showcased the prowess of the country’s defence forces.

About the on-going negotiations with the International Atomic Energy Agency on India-specific safeguards as required under the 123 Agreement with the U.S., he said the negotiators would meet again. The decisions taken at the meeting would be discussed with the Left leaders.

Taslima security

Asked about the statement of veteran Marxist leader Jyoti Basu, urging the Union government to provide security to Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasreen if she wished to return to Kolkata, he said that normally it was the responsibility of the government under whose jurisdiction a person resided to provide security.

The Delhi government provided security to the writer when she stayed in New Delhi and naturally it was the responsibility of the West Bengal government to extend similar safety to her. However, Mr. Mukherjee said the Centre was ready to oblige if the State government made a request to provide security to Ms. Nasreen.

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