Foreign Desk
This article is from the archive of The New York Sun before the launch of its new website in 2022. The Sun has neither altered nor updated such articles but will seek to correct any errors, mis-categorizations or other problems introduced during transfer.
MIDDLE EAST
ABBAS WARNS AL QAEDA HAS INFILTRATED THE WEST BANK
The Palestinian president, Mahmuod Abbas, has warned that Al Qaeda has infiltrated the West Bank and Gaza, from where it could launch “disastrous” attacks on Israel and its neighbors. Israeli army officers and intelligence analysts have already warned several times over the last year that Al Qaeda has established cells in the Palestinian territories – a claim that the Palestinians have denied. But in an interview with al Hayat, an Arabic language newspaper, Mr. Abbas admitted that Palestinian security forces have picked up traces of Al Qaeda operatives. “We have indications about the presence of Al Qaeda in Gaza and the West Bank. This is intelligence information,” he said. Mr. Abbas told the paper that he had received the latest information during a briefing at the beginning of this week, but that the security forces under his control “have not yet reached the point of arrests.” The revelation will underscore growing concern in Israel that Al Qaeda and other hostile militants are surrounding the Jewish state.
– The Daily Telegraph
SOUTH ASIA
BUSH, INDIA MAKE NUCLEAR DEAL
NEW DELHI – Reversing decades of American policy, President Bush ushered India into the world’s exclusive nuclear club yesterday with a landmark agreement to share nuclear reactors, fuel, and expertise with this energy-starved nation in return for its acceptance of international safeguards.
Eight months in the making, the accord would end India’s long isolation as a nuclear maverick that defied world appeals and developed nuclear weapons. India agreed to separate its tightly entwined nuclear industry – declaring 14 reactors as commercial facilities and eight as military – and to open the civilian side to international inspections for the first time.
The agreement must be approved by Congress, and Mr. Bush acknowledged that might be difficult because India still refuses to sign the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty.
“I’m trying to think differently, not stay stuck in the past,” said Mr. Bush, who has made improving relations with India a goal of his administration. Celebrating their agreement, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said, “We have made history today, and I thank you.”
– Associated Press
