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India Post
October 23, 2009
www.indiapost.com
USINPAC asks US Congress to investigate AQ Khan claims India Post News Service
NEW YORK: The US-India Political Action Committee (USINPAC) has expressed strong concern over claims made by disgraced Pakistani nuclear scientist, AQ Khan, particularly about the illegal transfer of weapons technology to Iran. Responding to Khan's statements, USINPAC Chairman, Sanjay Puri, said, "It is troubling to see that the man Time Magazine called the world's most dangerous nuclear trafficker is busy gloating on TV about his nuclear proliferation exploits. “He has provided sensitive technology to some of America's biggest foreign policy concerns yet the United States does not have access to him. The man, dubbed as the Merchant of Menace, has a lot of information that we as Americans should have the right to know, especially since one of our allies is the country protecting him - a country, which Mr. Khan alludes to being complicit and supportive of his nuclear supermarket for rogue nations." In a recent television interview, AQ Khan stated that assisting Iran was a planned operation to create "a strong bloc in the region to counter international pressure", and also to "neutralize" Israel's power.
Puri further said, "I strongly urge President Obama to pressure our ally Pakistan to allow AQ Khan to be brought in front of a global body such as the IAEA so that the international community can get to the bottom of what appears to be a nexus of proliferation with countries such as Iran, North Korea and possibly others." Manish Thakur, USINPAC's Na-
Most alarming is the possibility that he sold nuclear technology to terrorist groups who want to directly attack the United States itself tional Security Coordinator, said, "These statements are yet more disturbing revelations by one of the world's most prolific proliferators. In addition to the damage he has clearly done in Iran, we now have more clues from him about the critical nuclear expertise he illegally provided to North Korea. We have over 30,000 American troops in South Korea who are in greatly increased danger due to his activities. Most
alarming is the possibility that he sold nuclear technology to terrorist groups who want to directly attack the United States itself. We urgently need to question this man, but the United States has deliberately been prevented from talking to him directly by our ally, Pakistan. That this ally receives billions of dollars in aid from us is stunning. Congress needs to get to the bottom of this fast." Meanwhile, USINPAC has also expressed its concern over the United States Congress passing a bill tripling US aid to Pakistan without first establishing accountability and transparency of Pakistani expenditure of US aid funding, past and present. In addition to that, says USINPAC, the United States Government has failed to: Gain access for questioning to A.Q. Khan; Investigate Pakistan's proliferation of nuclear weapons technology to rogue regimes such as North Korea and Iran; and Audit the safeguards and security of Pakistan's nuclear assets from seizure and control by terrorist groups. Puri says that while the Pakistan assistance legislation has provisions that are intended to direct Pakistan military purchases towards a counterinsurgency mission, the US still has no real ability to track how the money is spent.
Axa Equitable hosts Diwali celebration India Post News Service
NEW YORK: AXA Equitable held a coordinated Diwali celebration for employees in three of the company's major locations: Charlotte, NC, Jersey City, NJ and Syracuse, NY. More than 400 employees joined in the celebration of the "Festival of Lights," one of the most important holidays for Indians, which traditionally marks the New Year in Indian culture. "At AXA Equitable, celebrating cultural differences is a key component of our diversity and
troupes performed classical dances in each location: Nrityangan Cultural Academy Rituparna Mukherjee performed in Charlotte; Bollywood Dance Funk performed in Jersey City and the Naach Bollywood Studios performed in the Syracuse office. Employees also enjoyed traditional Indian sweets and explored interactive exhibits highlighting elements of Diwali. "AXA Equitable is committed to a workplace that is diverse and inclusive," said Tracey GrayWalker, senior vice president and
inclusion program," said Kevin Murray, executive vice president and chief information officer for AXA Equitable. "Cultural awareness events, like those we held in celebration of Diwali, serve to educate our employees about their colleagues' different backgrounds while creating a culture of inclusion and employee engagement." Mr. Murray hosted the event in Jersey City, where he spoke about Diwali, and the importance of diversity and inclusion. His speech was broadcast live to Charlotte and Syracuse via video teleconference. Professional Indian dance
chief diversity officer. "Celebrating our cultural uniqueness at the workplace demonstrates that commitment and provides a forum for employees to highlight their diversity." Diwali is one of the most wellknown celebrations in Indian culture. It is known as the "Festival of Lights" for the common practice of lighting small oil lamps, diyas, and placing them around the home. In urban areas, candles are used. Diwali signifies different things to Indians from different parts of the country, but for all it is a celebration of the renewal of life and marks the start of the planting season in India.
India objects to Chinese activities in PoK
LEARNING RANGOLI: American architecture graduate Cailin Shannon (L) learns Rangoli making from Suchiben Mehta in Ahmedabad on October 14. Rangoli, the Indian art of arranging finely ground coloured powders, is here seen at the 'Jagdip Mehta Heritage House', a structure over 200 years old renovated and restored jointly by the Ahmedabad Heritage Centre and the French Embassy in 2005
NEW DELHI: Hitting back at China, India has taken objection to its engagement in projects in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) and asked it to cease such activities taking "long-term view" of India-China relations. A day after China objected to the visit of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Arunachal Pradesh, External Affairs Ministry took a strong view of President Hu Jintao's remarks that China will
continue to engage in projects with Pakistan inside Pakistan occupied Kashmir. "Pakistan has been in illegal occupation of parts of the Indian state of Jammu & Kashmir since 1947. The Chinese side is fully aware of India's position and our concerns about Chinese activities in Pakistan occupied Kashmir," External Affairs Ministry spokesman Vishnu Prakash said in a statement.-PTI