We have seen reports that the Appeals Court in Baghdad has confirmed the death sentence on former President Saddam Hussein of Iraq. It is our hope that the sentence will not be carried out and that the former President's life would be spared. We would also hope that no steps are taken which might obstruct the process of reconciliation and delay the restoration of peace in Iraq.

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In response to a question regarding a front-page report in the Indian Express of 26th December 2006 on Indo-Pakistan relations, the Official Spokesperson said:

The report is factually incorrect.

New Delhi

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In response to questions on adoption of UNSC Resolution on Iran, the Official Spokesperson said:

Iran has the right to pursue its nuclear programme for peaceful civilian use. It has undertaken certain obligations that its nuclear programme is exclusively for peaceful purposes. We have noted the passage of the UN Security Council Resolution and are studying its implications. We continue to feel that all possible efforts should be made to address the Iranian nuclear issue by peaceful means through dialogue and negotiation and that the IAEA should play a central role in resolving outstanding issues.

New Delhi

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Technical level talks between India and Pakistan were held in Rawalpindi on 22-23 December 2006 to decide the coordinates for a joint survey of the Sir Creek and adjoining areas without prejudice to the positions of the two countries, as well as to simultaneously hold discussions on the Maritime Boundary. The Pakistani delegation was led by Maj Gen Jamil Ur Rahman Afridi, Surveyor General of Pakistan while the Indian side was led by Rear Admiral B.R. Rao, Chief Hydrographer.

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Excellency,

It is with a deep sense of sorrow that I have learnt about the sad demise of H.E. Mr. Saparmurat Niyazov, President of Turkmenistan. At this moment of sorrow, on behalf of the Government and people of India, I convey our sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased leader and the Government and people of Turkmenistan. I hope and pray that the people of Turkmenistan will be granted the strength and fortitude to overcome this tragedy with courage and determination.

India and Turkmenistan have mutually benefited from close ties through history. I take this opportunity to renew India’s commitment to further strengthening the warm and friendly ties between our two countries.

Sd/-
(Pranab Mukherjee)

H.E. Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov,
Acting President of Turkmenistan,
Ashgabat

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1. Agreed Minutes of the Fifth Session of the India-Egypt Joint Commission on behalf of the Republic of India by External Affairs Minister Shri Pranab Mukherjee and on behalf of the Arab Republic of Egypt by Mr Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

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1. Joint Statement: Towards India Japan Strategic and Global Partnership – Copy being circulated. (Signatories: Prime Minister of India and Prime Minister of Japan)

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The second session of the Indo-Norwegian Joint Commission will be held in New Delhi on December 14 -15, 2006. The Norwegian delegation would be led by H.E. Mr. Jonas Gahr Store, Foreign Minister of Norway. Hon'ble EAM Shri Pranab Mukherjee would lead the Indian delegation.

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Guwahati, Dec 13 (IANS) India and Bhutan have formally demarcated their 699-km border with the two neighbours signing the final strip maps, 45 years after the process for settling the boundary began, officials Wednesday said.

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New Delhi, Dec 13 (IANS) India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to safeguard the interests of the Indian workers in that country and to ensure their welfare.

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Government welcomes the outcome of the Conference in the US Congress that has reconciled the Waiver Bills earlier passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate respectively which would enable resumption of civilian nuclear energy cooperation between India and the USA.

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The Twelfth Meeting of the Indo-Russian Inter-Governmental Commission [IRIGC] on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation was held in New Delhi on 8th December, 2006. Hon'ble Minister of External Affairs is Co-Chairman of the Joint Commission and led the Indian delegation at the talks. The Russian delegation was led by H.E. Mr. Alexander Zhukov, Deputy Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation. Discussions were held in a warm and friendly atmosphere traditionally associated with relations between India and Russia.

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The eastern part of Philippines was struck by typhoon Durian last week. The typhoon resulted in large scale devastation to the life and property. It is estimated that more than 1000 people died or are missing in the flooding and landslides following the typhoon.

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