Kalyan Barooah
MADRID, April 21 – Amidst heightening security threat, India’s fight against terrorism received a major boost, when the Spanish Parliament joined New Delhi and decreed that no terrorist is a good terrorist. Red carpet was rolled out and 21 guns boomed in the background, as King of Spain, Juan Carlos and his wife Queen Sofia formally received, President, Pratibha Devisingh Patil, at the El Pardo Royal Palace here this morning.
The king and the President, who was accompanied by her husband, Devisingh Shekhawat held brief discussion and exchanged gifts, and later rushed off to the Spanish Parliament, before laying wreath at the Paseo De La Casteliana (tomb of the unknown soldier).
It was in the Spanish Parliament, where the senior political leaders of the country acknowledged India’s stand on terrorism and pledged to support New Delhi in its fight. President of both the Houses of Parliament, Senate and Congress were present along with select group of parliamentarians of the country.
That Spain, which itself has faced terrorist attacks, is watching the development in India with interest became clear, when President of the Congress, Jose Bono said that there is no cause how noble it may be, it is tarnished as soon as it is touched by terrorism. Seen in the backdrop of India’s stand on Jammu and Kashmir, New Delhi feels its stand has been vindicated.
“Both countries suffered the horror of terrorism. We have cried together for its horrible consequences and even today it is time to express our most profound solidarity with the Indian people for the attacks of November last of Bombay,” he said.
“An enemy worse than the guns and bombs of the terrorists is the indifference of those who look away when terrorism is being spoken about,” he said.
Yesterday, while addressing a reception for the Indian community, the President said there is no cause that justifies violence against unarmed civilians, referring to Mumbai terror attack. There is no religion that preaches hatred and intolerance. The Mumbai attack and terrorist attacks in other parts of the world, including in Madrid have high-lighted the importance of effective international cooperation against terrorism, Patil said.
All States have agreed to international commitments and obligations for preventing and countering terrorism and it is important that they be adhered to, so that such incidents do not happen.
Prathiba Patil, who was given a ceremonial welcome at Parliament gifted a copy of the Constitution of India and selected work of Rabindranath Tagore. She was also given a copy of the Spanish Constitution and and other works. Later, the President was given a civic reception at the Town Hall and presented a key to the city.
Meanwhile, addressing the Spanish Parliament, Pratibha Patil said that bilateral relations between India and Spain have always been cordial and gained momentum in recent years. “We seek to promote ties in all fields - political, trade and investment, cooperation in mutually beneficial areas like renewable energy, agriculture and tourism as also enhanced cultural exchanges,”the President said.
Referring to the ongoing elections in India, the President said, “We are currently conducting the 15th General Elections and would elect members to the Lok Sabha - the Lower House of our Parliament. Our election process is gigantic in scale. We have 714 million voters”.
Earlier, acknowledging the vastness of India, the President of Spanish Congress said the entire country of Spain would fit in the three metros of Kolkata, Delhi and Mumbai.
The President also stressed on the need to bolster trade and investment flows. It is for this reason that I have a business delegation accompanying me. “People-to-people contacts between us are increasing through more frequent travels between the two countries,” the President said. ASSAM TRIBUNE
The king and the President, who was accompanied by her husband, Devisingh Shekhawat held brief discussion and exchanged gifts, and later rushed off to the Spanish Parliament, before laying wreath at the Paseo De La Casteliana (tomb of the unknown soldier).
It was in the Spanish Parliament, where the senior political leaders of the country acknowledged India’s stand on terrorism and pledged to support New Delhi in its fight. President of both the Houses of Parliament, Senate and Congress were present along with select group of parliamentarians of the country.
That Spain, which itself has faced terrorist attacks, is watching the development in India with interest became clear, when President of the Congress, Jose Bono said that there is no cause how noble it may be, it is tarnished as soon as it is touched by terrorism. Seen in the backdrop of India’s stand on Jammu and Kashmir, New Delhi feels its stand has been vindicated.
“Both countries suffered the horror of terrorism. We have cried together for its horrible consequences and even today it is time to express our most profound solidarity with the Indian people for the attacks of November last of Bombay,” he said.
“An enemy worse than the guns and bombs of the terrorists is the indifference of those who look away when terrorism is being spoken about,” he said.
Yesterday, while addressing a reception for the Indian community, the President said there is no cause that justifies violence against unarmed civilians, referring to Mumbai terror attack. There is no religion that preaches hatred and intolerance. The Mumbai attack and terrorist attacks in other parts of the world, including in Madrid have high-lighted the importance of effective international cooperation against terrorism, Patil said.
All States have agreed to international commitments and obligations for preventing and countering terrorism and it is important that they be adhered to, so that such incidents do not happen.
Prathiba Patil, who was given a ceremonial welcome at Parliament gifted a copy of the Constitution of India and selected work of Rabindranath Tagore. She was also given a copy of the Spanish Constitution and and other works. Later, the President was given a civic reception at the Town Hall and presented a key to the city.
Meanwhile, addressing the Spanish Parliament, Pratibha Patil said that bilateral relations between India and Spain have always been cordial and gained momentum in recent years. “We seek to promote ties in all fields - political, trade and investment, cooperation in mutually beneficial areas like renewable energy, agriculture and tourism as also enhanced cultural exchanges,”the President said.
Referring to the ongoing elections in India, the President said, “We are currently conducting the 15th General Elections and would elect members to the Lok Sabha - the Lower House of our Parliament. Our election process is gigantic in scale. We have 714 million voters”.
Earlier, acknowledging the vastness of India, the President of Spanish Congress said the entire country of Spain would fit in the three metros of Kolkata, Delhi and Mumbai.
The President also stressed on the need to bolster trade and investment flows. It is for this reason that I have a business delegation accompanying me. “People-to-people contacts between us are increasing through more frequent travels between the two countries,” the President said. ASSAM TRIBUNE
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