US'll insist Pak to punish 26/11 terrorists: Obama

New Delhi, Nov 8: US President Barack Obama addressed both houses of Indian Parliament in New Delhi on Nov 8 where he assured that US would insist Pakistan to punish the terrorists of Mumbai attack.

"Terror safe havens in Pakistan is unacceptable and we (US) will continue to insist on Pakistan leadership to bring Mumbai attackers to justice," stated Obama while speaking at the Parliament.

However, while talking about Kashmir dispute, the US President said, "We will continue to welcome dialogue with Pakistan although Kashmir can only be resolved by your (India and Pakistan) two countries."

Stating on usage of nuclear weapon, the President also said, "US recognises every nation's right to peaceful uses of nuclear energy but they also have international obligations."

Praising India's Right to Information (RTI) act, Obama claimed, "Your (India's) RTI is empowering citizens to get the services they are entitled and hold officials accountable."

Concluding his speech with "Jai Hind," Obama reiterated that both India and US were bound by common interests and values.

UP CM Mayawati and her party BSP would be elated:

After Obama invoked leaders from all walks of life - from his "hero" Mahatma Gandhi to Rabindranath Tagore and Dr BR Ambedkar, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati and her party BSP acquired the cause to be delighted.

Obama on Ambedkar and Dalit:

Speaking about his belief that "every person can fulfill their god-given potential" no matter where he comes from, he invoked the father of Indian constitution B R Ambedkar, saying "just as a Dalit like Dr Ambedkar could lift himself up and pen the words of the Constitution that protects the rights of all Indians."

Obama on Vivekananda:

Quoting Nobel prize winner poet Rabindranath Tagore, "Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high," Obama mentioned about Vivekananda as,"Swami Viveknanda said holiness is not the exclusive preserve of any church in the world."

"You built the institutions on which true democracy depends, free and fair elections, independent judiciary and rule of law, thriving free press and vibrant civil society which allows every voice to be heard. India has succeeded because of democracy."

Reminding Vivekananda's speech in Chicago, Obama stated,"It's the richness of faiths celebrated by a visitor to my hometown of Chicago more than a century ago, the renowned Swami Vivekananda."

Obama on Mahatma Gandhi:

"I might not be standing infront of you as President of the US had it not been for Mahatma Gandhi and his message that inspired Americans."

"You (Gandhi) have shown that the strength of India, idea of India is its embrace of all colours, all castes all creeds."

OneIndia News