UK premier rapped over Iran gaffe

British Prime Minister David Cameron


Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=137628§ionid=351021806


British Prime Minister David Cameron is under fire in the UK for making a false statement regarding Iran's nuclear program during a visit to Turkey.

The Tory leader came under criticism after he said Ankara could be an important influence in helping solve problems "like the Middle East peace process and the fact that Iran has got a nuclear weapon."

Labour former Europe minister Chris Bryant scuffed at the premier saying, "He is increasingly getting a reputation for being a foreign policy klutz, with two right feet, both of them firmly planted in his mouth," AFP reported.

"This is less of a hiccup, more of a dangerous habit," Bryant added.

Cameron's comments come while the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has repeatedly verified the non-diversion of declared nuclear material in Iran.

Downing Street rejected the criticism against the premier, claiming, "It is perfectly clear that he is talking about the pursuit of a nuclear weapon."

The West accuses Iran of pursuing a covert military nuclear program. Tehran, however, denies the allegations, saying that an IAEA member and a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty it has the right to peaceful nuclear technology.

UK PM harangues Pakistan over terror

British Prime Minister David Cameron speaks in Bangalore, India.


Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=136598§ionid=351020401


British Prime Minister David Cameron has asked Pakistan not to allow militants to use its territory as a base for attacks against its neighbors, especially India.

Pakistan cannot be allowed to harbor militants and promote terror against India, Afghanistan, or elsewhere, Cameron said during a visit to the Infosys headquarters in Bangalore, India.

He went on to say that US President Barack Obama was in agreement with him on Pakistan.

"We want Pakistan to emerge as a strong, stable and democratic nation. We cannot tolerate in any sense the idea that this country is... able, in any way, to promote the export of terror," the Hindustan Times quoted him as saying.

His remarks come only a few days after leaked US reports said Pakistan has secretly aided Taliban militants in Afghanistan. The leaked documents suggest that the ISI (Inter-Services Intelligence), one of Pakistan's two military intelligence agencies, was encouraging the Taliban as recently as last year.

The Pentagon called the release of some 91,000 classified documents by the whistle-blowing website WikiLeaks a "criminal act."

The reports also raised new doubts about key US ally Pakistan.

The British prime minister launched the strongest British criticism yet of Pakistan, warning that the country could no longer "look both ways" by tolerating terrorism while demanding respect as a democracy.

Angry responses followed from Pakistani officials in the UK and the Foreign Ministry in Islamabad.

The row comes as Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari prepares for a visit to Britain next week. He is due to stay at the prime minister's country retreat of Chequers.

India, UK sign $1.1 bln aircraft deal

The Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer aircraft‎


Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=136603§ionid=351020402


India and Britain have signed a $1.1 billion deal to supply the Indian Air Force and Navy 57 more Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer aircraft.

David Cameron, on his first visit to India after becoming British prime minister in May, called for a new "enhanced relationship" between New Delhi and London.

The deal was signed in Bangalore by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and British defense manufacturer BAE Systems for the supply of 57 Hawks for the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy.

BAE's Guy Griffiths said BAE will supply the design and also the equipment which will be assembled in India by HAL personnel over the course of the next three or four years.

India had signed an earlier agreement to buy 66 Hawk Trainers in 2004. The first 24 of those aircraft were supplied directly, while the next 42 will be assembled in India, Griffiths stated.

Cameron, who began his visit in the southern city of Bangalore, also visited the headquarters of the high-tech company Infosys in Bangalore.

Cameron said his main mission is to make use of the business opportunities offered by the Indian economy. His center-right coalition government is keen on promoting economic and financial cooperation with India, which is one of the biggest defense markets in the world.

Cameron brought six ministers and more than 30 senior executives from top UK firms with him to boost trade with Asia's third-largest economy.

Earlier, Britain announced it was prepared to export its civilian nuclear technology to India, in line with the stances taken by the United States, Russia, and France.

Later on Wednesday, Cameron arrived in the capital New Delhi, where he is expected to hold talks on Thursday with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The two leaders will sign a cultural agreement and seal a round of trade deals.