Bush-Manmohan to discuss terrorism

Washington, Sep 16: US President George W Bush will discuss with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh the growing menace of terrorism in India during their meeting here on September 25, especially in the light of Saturday's bombing in New Delhi.

White House Spokeswoman Dana Perino gave this information in reply to a question during her regular daily briefing here yesterday. Perino expressed the United States' 'distress' at the terrorist attacks and said, ''We obviously stand with the Indians in trying to fight against terrorism and extremists, and we would help them in any way that we can to fight back against them.'' Earlier the State Department, in a written statement condemned the terrorist attacks targeting the citizens of New Delhi. ''There is no justification for the murder of innocent civilians. Our deepest sympathy and thoughts are with the families of those killed and injured in these attacks,'' it said.

The State Department said Saturday's ''tragedy serves as a reminder that terrorism does not deter, but unites those committed to peaceful and political means as the guarantor of a free, democratic and prosperous society.'' Prime Minister Singh will meet President Bush at the latter's invitation at the White House on September 25 and is expected to exchange views on the controversial US-India civil nuclear agreement which is currently pending before the US Congress awaiting its approval, a prerequisite for its implementation.

In reply to a question about the other subjects that may find place in their agenda, Spokeswoman Perino indicated that the global economic situation is likely to figure prominently in their talks.

''I'm sure that the economy is going to be a topic at the UNGA (United Nations General Assembly) meeting, which is going to take place next week. It was a topic at the G8 meeting, and the G7 ministers continue to talk about it, as well. So we'll just keep you updated as we move forward.''

UNI