India-Myanmar sign key accords

Yangon, Mar 9 (UNI) Even as it nudged Myanmar to move towards restoration of democracy, India today cosied up to the military 'junta' by signing an MoU for import of gas and extending a financial package of 34.5 million dollars for various projects, including development of a multi-modal transport project that would connect the South-East Asian country with Mizoram.

The two countries also signed a Framework Agreement for mutual cooperation in the field of remote sensing and an MoU in the field of Buddhist studies, Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran told reporters on the talks between the leaders of the two countries.

On the second day of his state visit, President APJ Abdul Kalam held wide-ranging talks with State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) chairman Senior General Than Shwe and other leaders on the democratic process in Myanmar and various other bilateral matters.

However, India skirted the issue of release of Nobel Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, whose latest house arrest was ordered last year, but conveyed its strong interest in democracy in Myanmar.

''To the best of my knowledge, the issue was not discussed,'' said Mr Saran, when asked whether the Indian side took up the case of Suu Kyi with the Myanmar side.

Economic and energy issues were the focal points of talks with India offering a financial package of 20 million dollars for purchase of heavy duty pumps, three million dollars for delineation of Myanmar's continental shelf and another 1.3 million dollars for upgrading the remote sensing ground receiving station in Yangon.

The Indian government also expressed willingness to offer financial contributions of 95 million dollars for the construction of the Kaladan multi-modal transport project that would connect Mizoram with Myanmar.

''The project covers development of river transport, building of highways and construction of a gas pipeline for evacuation of gas from Arakan gas fields,'' Mr Saran said.

''We have also decided to conduct a detailed technical survey of a trilateral highway that will connect India with Thailand,'' he added.

The President had hectic schedule today. The day began with a visit to Shwedagon pagoda, the biggest in the world. Later, he had an interaction with children of Basic Education High School, Dagon, which was given 10 computers on behalf of the people of India.

Dr Kalam also became the first Indian President to visit the 'mazar' of last Mughal King Bahadur Shah 'Zafar', who was exiled here by the British rulers for leading the First War of Independence in 1857, Eds: Pick up suitably from earlier series.

UNI SKS/SM/SK RK1915