Bilateral Issues
a. Bahrain
1. Official Visit of Crown Prince of Bahrain to India, New Delhi, 1 June 2012
His Royal Highness Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of Kingdom of Bahrain paid an official visit to India on May 30-31, 2012 at the invitation of Hon’ble Vice-President of India. A high level official and business delegation accompanied the Crown Prince. He visited Mumbai and New Delhi.

In Mumbai, the Crown Prince met with the Governor of Maharashtra. He also met with some of the captains of the Indian industry. During his stay in New Delhi, the Crown Prince called on the Hon’ble President and met with the Hon’ble Vice President, the Prime Minister and the Minister for External Affairs. A Banquet dinner was hosted by the Vice-President in honour of the visiting dignitary at the Hyderabad House.

Our common civilizational links close and friendly bilateral ties were recalled during the visit. The need to further strengthen this relationship by developing synergies and integrating the comparative advantages of the two economies with a view to raise the trade to a higher level and enhance Indian investments in Bahrain and Bahraini investments in India was recognized by the two sides. The Crown Prince and the business delegation held business meetings in Mumbai and Delhi which will provide a new impetus to bilateral business ties. The following Agreement/ Memorandum of Understanding were signed.

(i) Agreement between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain for Exchange of Information with respect to Taxes.

(ii) Memorandum of Understanding between Government of the Republic of India and Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain on Cooperation in the Field Of Information and Communication Technology.

4.  Both sides agreed on the importance of maintaining high-level contacts and increase the frequency of interactions in order to broaden and deepen bilateral ties. The Indian leadership expressed its appreciation to the HRH the Crown Prince and the Kingdom of Bahrain in ensuring the safety and well-being of the Indian community in Bahrain. Issues of mutual concern in the region were discussed and the importance attached by India to peace and stability in the entire region was emphasized. Both sides also underlined the need to resolve all differences through peaceful dialogue and without recourse to violence.

5.  His Royal Highness the Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Bahrain thanked the President, the Vice-President and the Prime Minister and the External Affairs Minister for the warm reception and gracious hospitality accorded to him and his delegation.  
Source: Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi

2. India Signs Agreement with Bahrain for Exchange of Information with Respect to Taxes, New Delhi, 1 June 2012
India signed an Agreement with the Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain for the Exchange of Information with respect to taxes (TIEA), here yesterday. The Agreement was signed by Mr. Namo Narain Meena, Minister of State for Finance (Expenditure and Financial Affairs) on behalf of Government of India and H.E. Kamal Ahmad, Minister for Transportation and Acting CEO of the Economic Development of Bahrain on behalf of Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain.

The Agreement is based on international standards of transparency and exchange of information. It incorporates provisions for effective exchange of information including banking information between tax authorities of the two countries. It has been provided that the Exchange of Information shall be on request and without regard to the domestic interest.

The Agreement will enhance mutual co-operation between the two countries by having effective exchange of information in tax matters.
Source: Press Information Bureau, New Delhi

b. Egypt
3. An Exhibition of Paintings from Artists from South Asia at El Bab Gallery, Cairo Opera House 14-27 June, 2012, Cairo, 7 June 2012
The Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture (MACIC), Embassy of India, Cairo will be organizing a unique exhibition by 28 artists of South Asia at the prestigious El Bab gallery from 14-27 June 2012.  The exhibition will be inaugurated on Thursday, 14 June 2012 at 7 PM by H.E Dr Mohamed Saber Arab, Minister of Culture of the Arab Republic of Egypt and H.E Mr. R. Swaminathan, Ambassador of India to Egypt in the presence of South Asian Ambassadors.   Dr Salah El Meligy, Chairman of the Fine Arts Sector of the Ministry of Culture and Suchitra Durai, Director, MACIC will attend the inauguration.
 
The exhibition comprises 28 paintings by a group of young and up-coming artists from the eight countries belonging to the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) - Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka – as well as Myanmar.   This is the outcome of a South Asian artists camp organized by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) in March 2010 at Puducherry, a city-state located on India’s south-eastern Coromandel coast. The first such camp was held by ICCR a couple of years ago in the desert city of Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, which was called ‘Jaisalmer Yellow’. This time, in a reference to the warm blue skies and waters off the Puducherry coast, the exhibition is titled ‘Puducherry Blue’. This is the first time that the exhibition is travelling outside South Asia, which signals the importance attached by India to our Egyptian audience.
 
During the inauguration, a souvenir publication on the year-long celebrations of the 150th birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore held in Egypt in 2011-2012 will also be released. The book, which is in both English and Arabic, is expected to serve as both a record of our activities as well as a reference for students of Tagore in India, Egypt and elsewhere.
Source: Embassy of India, Cairo

4. Mr. Navdeep Singh Suri appointed as the next Ambassador of India to Egypt, New Delhi, 14 June 2012
Mr. Navdeep Singh Suri, presently Joint Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs, has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Arab Republic of Egypt.

He is expected to take up his assignment shortly.

Source: Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi

5. Statement by Official Spokesperson on presidential elections in Egypt, New Delhi, 25 June 2012
In response to a question, the official spokesman said:

Egypt has successfully conducted its presidential elections. We respect and welcome the verdict of the people of Egypt and extend our congratulations to them and President – elect Dr. Mohamed Morsi. We wish the new President all success and reiterate our readiness for enhancing bilateral co–operation
Source: Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi

6. The Indian President warmly congratulates H.E. Dr. Mohamed Morsi, New Delhi, 26 June 2012
Following is the text of the message:
Excellency,
Please accept my hearty congratulations on your election as the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt.
India is happy to see democracy taking deeper roots in Egypt. I am confident that under your able leadership Egypt will continue to prosper and take many strides forward in order to fulfil the aspirations of the people of your great country. We look forward to working with you in strengthening the warm and friendly relations between India and Egypt.
Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.
Source: Embassy of India, Cairo

7. The PM of India conveys his heartiest congratulations to H.E. Dr. Mohamed Morsi, New Delhi, 27 June 2012
Following is the text of the message:
"Excellency,
I take this opportunity to extend to you my heartiest congratulations on your election as the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt. I wish you all success in your challenging responsibilities to shape the future of the democratic process in Egypt.
 
India and Egypt have always enjoyed warm and friendly relations, which we greatly cherish. I am confident that, under your able leadership, relations between our two countries will further expand and diversify. I look forward to working closely with you in this endeavour.
 
On behalf of the Government and the people of India, I would also like to convey to you our best wishes for your good health and well being and for the progress and prosperity of the friendly people of the Arab Republic of Egypt.
Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration."
Source: Embassy of India, Cairo

c. Kuwait
8. Indian Classical Music Concert by Ustad Shujaat Husain Khan, Kuwait, 30 June 2012
National Council for Culture, Arts & Letters (NCCAL), Government of the State of Kuwait in cooperation with the Embassy of India, Kuwait organized an Indian Musical concert by highly acclaimed Sitar Maestro Ustad Shujaat Husain Khan on 29 June 2012 at 2000 hrs at Kuwait National Museum Auditorium. Ustad Shujaat Husain Khan is the son and disciple of the great Sitarist Ustad Vilayat Khan and belongs to the Imdad Khan gharana. He began public performances at the age of 6 yrs and has since performed in numerous prestigious musical festivals in India, Asia, Africa, North America and Europe. A large number of Kuwaiti dignitaries, distinguished Ambassadors and members of the Indian community in Kuwait attended the concert.

It was a rare treat for the music lovers cutting across nationalities in Kuwait. The vibrant and scintillating performance by Ustad Shujaat Husain Khan drew spontaneous applause from the enthusiastic audience in the Auditorium. The audience gave the Maestro and his accompanying musicians a standing ovation upon the conclusion of the performance.
Source: Embassy of India, Kuwait

d. Libya
9. Partial Lifting of Ban on Emigration to Libya, New Delhi, 15 June 2012
The Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs, Mr. Vayalar Ravi, has announced partial lifting of ban on emigration to Libya. The emigration to Libya was banned [with effect from]  21 February 2011 following the internal disturbances prevailing in that country. After an interim Government has taken over, the situation has improved. It has been noticed that there is growing demand for manpower in Libya in various sectors.

There have been repeated requests for sending required manpower from India to Libya. The manpower from other competitive markets like Bangladesh, Egypt, Philippines etc are arriving in Libya. It has therefore, been decided in consultations with Ministry of External Affairs and Indian Mission in Libya to partially lift the ban for emigration to Libya. Doctors and para-medical staff will be permitted to emigrate to Libya as the Libyan Health Ministry has approached our mission in Tripoli in this regard. Complete lifting of ban will be reviewed after considering the situation immediately after the conclusion of elections in Libya, i.e. after 15 July this year.
Source: Press Information Bureau, New Delhi

e. Oman
10. Port call to Muscat by Indian Naval warships along with aircraft carrier Viraat, Muscat, 20 June 2012.
In India-Oman relations are exceptionally close having reached the level of a strategic partnership. In this framework, Indian Naval ships would be making a port call at Muscat from 21-23 June 2012. The ships scheduled to visit Muscat include the aircraft carrier INS Viraat accompanied by stealth frigate INS Talwar and indigenously built guided missile frigate INS Ganga. These three ships are part of the Western Fleet of the Indian Navy. Captain AB Singh, VSM, Commanding Officer of the aircraft carrier INS Viraat is the Officer in Tactical Command for this Carrier Task Group, which would return to India by end of this month.

INS Viraat was commissioned in the Indian Navy on 12 May 1987. The carrier operates the short-take-off fighter aircraft Sea Harriers with vertical landing capability. Antisubmarine helicopter Sea King 42B and Chetak helicopters for search and rescue purpose are also operated from the ship. The carrier is equipped with self-defence capability of anti-missile defence system and long-range surveillance system on a Maritime Domain Awareness network with other fleet ships and shore headquarters. These surveillance systems and sensors of her integral air assets and other screen ships of the formation enable her to maintain an enhanced surveillance bubble around the force. The Sea Harrier fighters are equipped with anti-shipping missiles (AShM), long-range beyond visual range air-to-air missiles (AAM), bombs and rockets. The Sea King helicopters are equipped with long-range radar, ESM suite, dunking Sonar and sonobuoys. The armaments carried by this helicopter include anti-submarine torpedoes, depth charges and anti-shipping missiles (AShM). The ship is manned by approximately 140 officers and 1400 sailors and has facilities and amenities to cater for requirements of all personnel onboard.

The other two frigates accompanying the Carrier Task Group are INS Talwar and INS Ganga. While Ganga has been indigenously built, Talwar has been built in Russia as per Indian design requirements. Both Talwar and Ganga are manned by around 30 officers and 300 sailors each. INS Talwar is fitted with long-range air surveillance radar and credible sonar for detection of submarines. INS Talwar carries one Air Early Warning (AEW) helicopter Kamov 31, a force multiplier against air threat. The arsenal onboard Talwar include long-range anti- shipping hypersonic cruise missiles, medium-range anti-aircraft and anti-missile surface-to-air missile (SAM) system, medium-range gun, close-in weapon system, anti-submarine rockets and torpedoes. Talwar is being commanded by Captain S K Chauhan. INS Ganga is armed with guided missiles, medium-range gun, anti-missile defence SAM system, close-in weapon system, anti-submarine torpedoes and state-of-the-art towed array sonar. Ganga has been designed to carry two Sea King 42B anti-submarine helicopters. She is commanded by Captain B R Prakash.

The ships would be berthed alongside at Port Sultan Qaboos from 21-23 June. The ships would remain open for visit by the general public from 1000 hrs – 1600 hrs on Friday, 22 June 2012. All visitors are requested to carry proof of identity and park their vehicles outside the port in Jibroo yard. Shuttle buses would be available for the visitors between the ships and the parking area.
Source: Embassy of India, Muscat

11. Change of address of M/s BLS International (Outsourcing Agency), Muscat, 24 June 2012.
Thank All Indian nationals living in the Sultanate of Oman as well as Omani citizens and expatriate community staying in Oman are hereby informed that M/s BLS International, to whom Embassy of India, Muscat has outsourced passports, visa and passport related miscellaneous services, is shifting their current premises (situated at Trade Centre Building, behind Sheraton Hotel, Ruwi) to a new location with effect from 1 July 2012.
The address of the new location of M/s BLS International and new phone/fax numbers are as under
Unit No 108 – First Floor, Al Makhtabi Building, Wattaya, Muscat Phone: 24566080, 24566050, 24566131 Fax: 24566191
The location map of the new premises is as below:

Due to shifting to new premises, M/s BLS International will remain closed from 28 June 2012 (Thursday) to 30 June 2012 (Saturday).
Source: Embassy of India, Muscat

12. Indian Industrial delegation visits Oman, Muscat, 25 June 2012
In order to strengthen vibrant economic-commercial relations between India and the Sultanate of Oman, the Embassy of India, Muscat organized a visit of an Indian industrial delegation to Oman from June 22-26, 2012 to explore the opportunities for new business and industrial tie-ups. The 10 member delegation coordinated by the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) and was led by Mr. KKM Kutty, Past Chairman, CII (SR) and CEO & Managing Director, South West Group of Companies.

The delegation comprised of leading Indian Industries in various sectors viz. Agri -Equipment/Tractors; Financial & Consultancy; Automobile, Industrial, Marine and Oil field Applications; Infrastructure; Infrastructure Development ; Engineering & Projects; Chemicals & Fertilizers; Electrical Control System – Power Management System, Generator Synchronization, Automation & Battery Charges for Industries like petro-chemical, oil and gas, substations, desalination plants; Oil & Gas, Construction and allied activities and IT & Enables services (ITES).

The delegation had held a Business seminar and Business-to-Business Business Meet (B2B) with Omani businessmen at Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) on June 25, 2012. The Embassy hosted a Business interaction with the prominent Omani business groups on June 23, 2012 at the Embassy auditorium.

Indian delegations’ visit offered a unique opportunity for Omani businessmen to meet the Indian businessmen in the above mentioned sectors right under one roof in Muscat.

Ambassador of India to the Sultanate H.E. J.S. Mukul stated that the visit of the Indian industrial delegation would further strengthen the vibrant commercial and investment relations between India and Oman which are strategic partners. Ambassador Mukul further mentioned that India-Oman bilateral trade exchanges had crossed the US$ 5 billion mark last year and investment flows were robust.
Source: Embassy of India, Muscat

f. Saudi Arabia
13. Open House for the community members at the Embassy of India, Riyadh on Thursday 14th June, 2012 from 0900 hrs to 1200 hrs, Riyadh, 11 June 2012
The Embassy of India Riyadh would be holding next Open House for Indian citizens to address their problemsgrievances on Thursday, 14 June  2012 in the Embassy premises from 0900 hrs to 1200 hrs.
 
During the Open House, members of the community can meet His Excellency Mr. Hamid Ali Rao Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and other officers of the Embassy to discuss their consular, labour-welfare and any other issues.

All interested members of the community are invited to attend the Open House.
Source: Embassy of India, Riyadh

14. Prime Minister’s condolence message on the demise of His Royal Highness Prince Naif bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud, New Delhi, 16 June 2012
In a message to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, His Majesty King Abdullah bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud, the Prime Minister expressed his “profound sorrow and deep grief” on the demise of His Royal Highness Prince Naif bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,

In his message the Prime Minister conveyed the “deepest condolences” of the Government and people of India and said that “His Royal Highness Prince Naif will always be remembered and admired for his outstanding contribution towards the development of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in many different fields.”

A senior Minister is being deputed by the Government of India to attend the funeral of Prince Naif bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud.
Source: Prime Minister’s Office, New Delhi

15. On the assumption of charge as Crown Prince and Deputy Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Vice-President of India H.E. Mr. M. Hamid Ansari and Prime Minister of India Dr. Manmohan Singh have sent letters of felicitations addressed to His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al-Saud, New Delhi, 23 June 2012
In his message to the Crown Prince, Vice-President emphasized the value which India places in its close and strategic relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and mentioned “I am confident that under your able guidance, our relations will further strengthen and diversify for the mutual benefit of our peoples”.

Prime Minister, in his message, underlined the high importance India attaches to its strategic partnership with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and expressed confidence in the leadership of Crown Prince Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al-Saud and stated “under your able guidance, the relations between our two countries will continue to expand and strengthen to the benefit of both our peoples”.
Source: Embassy of India, Riyadh

16. Statement of MOS E. Ahamed on the appointment of HRH Prince Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud as the Crown Prince and Deputy Prime Minister, New Delhi, 25 June 2012  
Minister of State for External Affairs and Human Resources Development Mr. E. Ahamed in a statement expressed deep felt warm congratulations to His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud on his nomination to the position of Crown Prince to Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by the Custodian of Two Holy Mosques. It is heartening to see an able administrator with vast knowledge and experience on wide range of issues concerning Kingdom as well as international arena selected as Crown Prince to Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. As the Governor of Riyadh, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud, showed his capability as a benevolent ruler under the Custodian of Two Holy Mosques. His treatment of Indian Expatriates is praise worthy. His visit to India in April 2010 is a landmark visit of Saudi Rules after historic visit of the Custodian of Two Holy Mosques. I am very happy to say that nominating His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud as Crown Prince of the Kingdom, by Custodian of Two Holy Mosques, put right person in right place.

May Allah bless His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud.
Source: Embassy of India, Riyadh

17. Open House for the community members at the Embassy of India, Riyadh on Thursday 19th July, 2012 from 0900 hrs to 1200 hrs, Riyadh, 25 June 2012
The Embassy of India Riyadh would be holding next Open House for Indian citizens to address their problemsgrievances on Thursday, 19 July 2012 in the Embassy premises from 0900 hrs to 1200 hrs.

During the Open House, members of the community can meet His Excellency Mr. Manohar Ram, Cd’A and other officers of the Embassy to discuss their consular, labour-welfare and any other issues.

All interested members of the community are invited to attend the Open House.
Source: Embassy of India, Riyadh

g. Syria
18. Explanation of Vote by India on Human Rights Situation in Syria and the recent killings in El-Houla at the 19th Special Session of the Human Rights Council, Geneva, 1 June 2012.
Madam President,
India has consistently supported all efforts to resolve the Syrian crisis through an inclusive Syrian-led political process. To this end, we have given our full support for the mission of Joint Special Envoy Mr. Kofi Annan.
We strongly condemn the El-Houla incident, which has resulted in death of over a hundred innocent civilians including women and children and have therefore intended to vote for this resolution. The incident underscores what the situation can lead to if there is any further delay in the complete cessation of violence. We expect that the Commission of Inquiry will be able to identify those responsible for these heinous attacks and provide clarity on the events that led to it. We sincerely hope all concerned will cooperate to ensure an objective process of inquiry into these terrible events.
We strongly believe that all parties need to abjure violence for there to be a genuine chance for a realistic and lasting solution to the Syrian crisis. We urge all sides to comply with their obligations under the Annan plan.
Thank you, Madam President.
Source: Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi

VOTING ON THE RESOLUTION S-19/1 [THE DETERIORATING SITUATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE SYRIAN ARAB REPUBLIC, AND THE RECENT KILLINS IN EL-HOULEH]
The Human Rights Council,

Recalling General Assembly resolutions 66/176 of 19 December 2011 and 66/253 of 16 February 2012, Human Rights Council resolutions S-16/1 of 29 April 2011, S-17/1 of 22 August 2011, S-18/1 of 2 December 2011, 19/1 of 1 March 2012 and 19/22 of 23 March 2012, and Security Council resolutions 2042 (2012) of 14 April 2012 and 2043 (2012) of 21 April 2012,

Condemning the killings, confirmed by United Nations observers, of dozens of men, women and children and the wounding of hundreds more in the village of El-Houleh, near Homs, in attacks that involved the wanton killing of civilians by shooting at close range and by severe physical abuse by pro-regime elements and a series of Government artillery and tank shelling of a residential neighbourhood, and reiterating that all violence in all its forms by all parties must cease,

Recalling that, in a statement made on 27 May 2012, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights stated that the atrocities in El-Houleh may amount to crimes against humanity, and noting her repeated encouragement to the Security Council to refer the situation in the Syrian Arab Republic to the International Criminal Court,

Reaffirming its strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic and to the principles of the Charter of the United Nations,

1. Condemns in the strongest possible terms such an outrageous use of force against the civilian population, which constitutes a violation of applicable international law and of the commitment of the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic, under Security Council resolutions 2042 (2012) and 2043 (2012), to cease violence in all its forms, including the cessation of the use of heavy weapons in population centres;

2. Condemns in the harshest terms the outrageous killing of forty-nine children, all under the age of 10;

3. Deplores the fact that the recent killings in El-Houleh occurred in a context of continued human rights violations in the Syrian Arab Republic, including ongoing arbitrary detentions, hindered access for the media and restrictions of the right to peaceful assembly;

4. Emphasizes the continued failure of the Syrian authorities to protect and promote the rights of all Syrians, including through repeated and systematic violations of human rights;

5. Reiterates its urgent call upon the Syrian authorities to put an immediate end to all violence and all human rights violations, and to meet their responsibility to protect their populations;

6. Calls once again upon the Syrian authorities to immediately allow United Nations human rights mechanisms and missions full and unfettered access and freedom of movement within the Syrian Arab Republic;

7. Stresses the need to conduct an international, transparent, independent and prompt investigation into violations of international law with a view to hold to account those responsible for widespread, systematic and gross human rights violations, including those violations that may amount to crimes against humanity;

8. Requests the commission of inquiry to urgently conduct a comprehensive, independent and unfettered special inquiry, consistent with international standards, into the events in El-Houleh and, if possible, to publicly identify those who appear responsible for these atrocities, and to preserve the evidence of crimes for possible future criminal prosecutions or a future justice process, with a view to hold to account those responsible, and also requests the commission to provide a full report of the findings of its special inquiry to the Human Rights Council at its twentieth session, and to coordinate, as appropriate, with relevant United Nations mechanisms;

9. Calls upon the Syrian authorities to cooperate fully with the commission of inquiry and to accord it full and unfettered access to the Syrian Arab Republic to conduct its work;

10. Calls upon all States Members of the United Nations to assist the commission of inquiry in its mission by providing the support necessary for it to achieve its objectives, including, but not limited to, Member States calling upon the Syrian authorities to grant the commission the access required to conduct its work;

11. Calls upon the Syrian authorities to grant immediate, unimpeded and full access of humanitarian organizations to all areas of the Syrian Arab Republic in order to allow them to provide relief and humanitarian assistance, and calls on all sides to respect the safety of humanitarian workers;

12. Requests the cooperation, as appropriate, of other relevant United Nations bodies with the commission of inquiry to carry out its mission, and requests the assistance of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Secretary-General in this regard;

13. Calls for the urgent, comprehensive and immediate implementation of all elements of the six-point proposal of the Joint Special Envoy of the United Nations and the League of Arab States, Kofi Annan, as annexed to Security Council resolution 2042 (2012) without any preconditions;

14. Invites the Joint Special Envoy for the United Nations and the League of Arab States to provide a briefing to the Human Rights Council at its twentieth session;

15. Decides to remain seized of the matter.

2ndmeeting
1 June2012

[Adopted by a recorded vote of 41 to 3, with 2 abstentions. The voting was as follows:

In favour:
Angola, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chile, Congo, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Djibouti, Guatemala, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Italy, Jordan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Libya, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Nigeria, Norway, Peru, Poland, Qatar, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, United States of America, Uruguay

Against:
China, Cuba, Russian Federation

Abstaining:
Ecuador, Uganda]
Source: United Nations Human Rights, Geneva

19. Statement by Ambassador Hardeep Singh Puri, Permanent Representative, at the informal plenary meeting of the UN General Assembly on the situation in Syria, New York, 7 June 2012
Thank you, Mr. President.

At the outset, I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for convening this meeting of the General Assembly. I would also like to thank the Secretary General H.E. Mr. Ban Ki-moon, Joint Special Envoy Mr. Kofi Annan, the Secretary General of the League of Arab States Dr Nabil El-Araby and the representative of the High Commissioner for Human Rights for their statements on the situation in Syria.

Mr. President, India continues to remain deeply concerned at the deteriorating situation in Syria. Attacks against civilians and security forces have intensified over the last few weeks and have taken a significant toll. Meanwhile, we have also witnessed a sharp increase in the number of terrorist attacks in different parts of the country. The year-long crisis has also created a difficult humanitarian situation, and as many as a million Syrians are said to be in need of humanitarian assistance.

We strongly condemn all violence, irrespective of who the perpetrators are. We also condemn all violations of human rights.

Mr. President, India has, from the beginning of the crisis in Syria, called for a peaceful and inclusive political process to address the grievances of all sections of Syrian society. We have also been supportive of the efforts by the United Nations and the League of Arab States for a peaceful resolution of the crisis through a Syrian-led inclusive political process. In this context, we have been fully supportive of the efforts of Joint Special Envoy Kofi Annan.

The growing militarization of the conflict in Syria will have serious consequences for peace, stability and security not only in Syria but also in the larger region. A military approach to the Syrian crisis will not only further exacerbate the situation and fuel a large-scale sectarian civil war but also cause havoc by aiding and abetting terrorism and proliferation of weapons that will have serious consequences for the entire region and beyond.

What is needed, therefore, is that all sides to the conflict recommit themselves to the six-point plan of Mr. Annan and cooperate to create an environment conducive for launching an inclusive Syrian-led political process. This also calls for cessation of all outside support for armed groups and serious action against the terrorist groups operating in Syria. Expeditious action is required by all sides to cease violence. Progress should also be made on other aspects of the six-point plan, including provision of humanitarian assistance, access to and release of detainees, and full respect for political and civil rights of all Syrians. Only thus can the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people be met while ensuring respect for Syria’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.

With this objective in view, we believe that the Joint Special Envoy should be given sufficient time, space and flexibility to pursue his mandate. There should be one mediation process led by Mr. Annan and his efforts should be fully supported. No action should be taken by any side, inside or outside Syria, to derail the Annan Mission.

In this context, we commend UNSMIS and its observers for their work in a difficult situation. All parties should ensure safety and security of observers and provide them an environment in which they can implement their mandate independently, impartially and fairly. All parties should cooperate with the United Nations so that urgently needed humanitarian assistance can be provided to those in need. The concerned parties should also cooperate with the United Nations so that violations of human rights and other crimes, including the recent incident in El-Houleh, are fully investigated and their perpetrators brought to justice.

In conclusion, Mr. President, I would reiterate India’s full support to UNSMIS and Mr. Annan’s efforts to resolve the Syrian crisis through an inclusive Syrian-led political process without any further bloodshed.
I thank you.
Source: Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations, New York

h. Turkey
20. India and Turkey signed an MoU for Enhancing Cooperation in the Field of Sports and Youth Activities, New Delhi, 5 June 2012
India and Turkey has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for further developing relations in the field of sports and youth activities in order to promote and strengthen existing friendly relations and cooperation in the field of sports.

The MoU was signed by Mr. Ajay Maken, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Youth Affairs & Sports on behalf of Government of India and by Mr. Suat Kilic, Turkish Minister for Youth & Sports, on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Turkey in Ankara (Turkey) today. Mr. Maken is currently on 3 days official visit to Turkey.

The MoU provides the framework for advancement of linkages and cooperation through sports and youth agencies of the respective Governments. The MoU also states that the Parties shall encourage and support exchanges of programmes, experiences, skills, techniques, information and knowledge in the several areas of cooperation in sports and youth activities, namely, training and competition of athletes and teams, training and technical assistance for coaches, exchange programmes and visits of sports leader, sports administrators, professional, technicians and sports support personnel and experts in the field of youth and sports, fostering youth tourism, organizing joint youth camps and friendly sports events and training, exchange and assistance programmes for sports sciences personnel and development of sports science.

The MoU further states that the cooperation under this shall be through exchange of sports experts, government officials, coaches and athletes and students in field of sports, exchange of teaching and curriculum materials on sports, collaboration on curriculum development, joint development and publication of materials and exchange of youth delegations to get acquainted with youth organizations and youth development programmes.

While speaking on the occasion, Mr. Maken expressed his hope that this MoU will pave the way for further enhancing traditional ties between both the countries especially among youth populations. Mr. Maken also congratulated Turkey on the Istanbul being shortlisted for Olympics 2020.
Source: Press Information Bureau, New Delhi

Specific Issues
i. Iran Nuclear Issue
21. Statement by Ambassador Manjeev Singh Puri, Acting Permanent Representative, briefing on 1737 Committee concerning Iran at the United Nations Security Council, New York, 12 June 2012
Thank you, Mr. President. At the outset, I would like to thank Ambassador Nester Osorio for presenting the 90-day report of the 1737 Committee. We commend his stewardship of the Committee, as also the professionalism with which the Committee has been implementing its mandate.

Mr. President, I would like to welcome the submission of the final report by the Panel of Experts, which was issued as an official document of the Security Council last week. We also welcome the extension last week of the mandate of the Panel till 9 July 2013.

 We expect that the Panel will continue to work under the direction of the 1737 Committee and assist the Committee in the implementation of the relevant resolutions of the Security Council. We appreciate the work, including outreach activities, that the Panel has been doing and encourage it to continue its work in strict compliance with the relevant resolutions of the Security Council in an independent, objective, transparent and impartial manner. The Panel should also continue the practice of briefing the Committee regularly on all its activities.

We also support the Chair’s intention to hold an open briefing along with the Coordinator of the Panel of Experts in July 2012 for interested member-states on their mandates and to answer questions that member-states may have. We think that the briefing will also provide an opportunity for the Committee and the Panel to get views of the wider UN membership.

Mr. President, India has consistently supported the right of all nations to peaceful uses of nuclear energy in accordance with relevant international treaties to which they are a party. Iran should fully cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to restore the confidence in the exclusively peaceful nature of its nuclear programme. In this connection, we welcome the recent exchanges between Iran and the IAEA, including the visit of the Director General of the Agency to Tehran. We hope that the outstanding technical issues concerning the Iranian nuclear programme will be resolved peacefully through Iran’s cooperation with the IAEA.

We also welcome the talks between the P5 + 1 and Iran held in Istanbul and Baghdad during the last two months. We think that these talks should continue and hope that the parties will be able to make progress in the next round scheduled for next week in Moscow.

Mr. President, India supports the full implementation of relevant resolutions of the Security Council concerning the Iranian nuclear issue. While implementing these resolutions, it is necessary that all efforts should be made so that legitimate trade and economic activities do not suffer.

Before I conclude, Mr. President, I would like to assure Ambassador Osorio of my delegation’s continued cooperation to facilitate the work of the 1737 Committee.
I thank you.
Source: Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations, New York

Multilateral Issues/ Regional Issues
j. India and the Middle East
22. Mr. Jaipal Reddy Holds Wide-Ranging Talks with his Counterparts from Iran, Saudi Arabia, Algeria and Qatar,   Discussions Focus on Sourcing More Crude Oil, Lng, Lpg and Mutual Investments in Oil & Gas Sector, New Delhi, 14 June 2012
The Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Mr. S. Jaipal Reddy held a series of bilateral meetings with his counterparts from different countries at Vienna (Austria) on the sidelines of the on-goings 5th OPEC International Seminar today. The wide-ranging talks with his counterparts from Iran, Saudi Arabia, Algeria and Qatar were aimed at enhancing mutual cooperation in the oil & gas sector. The talks focused on sourcing more crude oil, LNG, LPG and promoting investments in hydrocarbon sector projects. The discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in the oil and gas sector.

During the bilateral meeting with Mr. Rostam Ghasemi, Minister of Petroleum Iran, Minister raised the issue of the development of the South Pars Phase-12 by the OVL led consortium and sought more time for settling the contractual terms and conditions of the service contract between OVL and Iran Offshore Oil Company (IOOC). The Iranian Minister said that IOOC would be advised to resolve all pending issues and concerns at an early date.

Minister met Mr. Ali al-Naimi; Minister of Petroleum & Mineral Resources, Saudi Arabia and asked for another 5 million tons per annum of crude oil from Saudi Arabia over and above the 32 million tons it had imported during 2011-12. India also asked for an additional 1.5 million tons of LPG during the current year. Saudi Arabia is India’s largest supplier of crude oil and LPG. Regarding SA Aramco and other companies investing in India’s petrochemical and downstream sector, Mr. Naimi assured that this would be favourably examined and appropriate advice would be issued to its NOCs. Minister also invited Mr. Naimi to attend the inaugural session of the Petrotech 2012 on 15 October 2012 at New Delhi.

Minister further met Mr. Youcef Yousfi, Minister of Energy and Mines, Algeria. India asked for additional quantities of crude oil, and expressed interest in investing in Algeria’s upcoming LNG sector with the objective of some quantities of LNG being booked for India. GAIL is already in talks with Sonatrach for tying up LNG imports on annual basis. Minister expressed India’s interest in having long term LNG contracts with Algeria. The Algerian side informed of its emphasis on development of its fertilizer sector and said that Indian companies interested in Phosphate fertilizers were welcome to approach the Algerian side for participation.

The Ministers of India and Qatar discussed matters of bilateral interest including larger supplies of crude oil. During 2011-12, India imported 6.41 million tons of crude oil from Qatar. Also, both sides discussed the long term LNG contract between PLL and RasGas for another 3.5 million tons of LNG including the need to settle the pricing issue at an early date. PLL has long term contract with RasGas for 7.5 million tons per annum.
Source: Press Information Bureau, New Delhi

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Note: One Crore: ten millions.

Compiled by Alvite N

Alvite N is a Doctoral candidate at the School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. Email

As part of the policy, the MEI@ND standardizes spellings and date format to make the text uniformly accessible and stylistically consistent. The views expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views/positions of the MEI@ND. Editor, MEI@ND P R Kumaraswamy