Despite security row, Chavan to receive Obama

Mumbai, Nov 6: Despite the row over the strict security protocol, Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan will be one among the leaders who will be receiving US President Barack Obama here on Saturday, Nov 6.

Besides Chavan, Protocol Minister Suresh Shetty, and Union Minister Salman Khurshid are part of the reception brigade.

The Chief Minister"s Office said, “The Ministry of External Affairs has told us that the Chief Minister and the Protocol Minister would receive Obama on his arrival at the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport."

This comes after Chavan had hinted at boycotting all functions graced by American President Barack Obama after he and his deputy Chhagan Bhujbal along with other Maharashtra leaders were asked to produce identity proofs as part of the security protocol.

Seeking to calm the raging row, US Consul-General in Mumbai, Paul A Folmsbee, apologised to the Chief Minister and his deputy.

Now, Chavan, Chhagan Bhujbal and Home Minister R R Patil have also been invited for a speech against terrorism to be delivered by Obama at the Taj hotel in the afternoon.

However, an official from Mantralaya (state secretariat) said that the ministers have not confirmed their attendance.

OneIndia News