Indian-American leaders thank Bush for his efforts over N-deal

Washington, Oct 9 (PTI) - Delighted over the enactment of
the Indo-U.S. nuclear deal, Indian-American community leaders
have thanked President George W. Bush for his personal efforts
to push the landmark accord through the Congress and said the
agreement's benefits should be "maximised" for the people of
the two nations.

A large group of Indian American community leaders were
present at the signing ceremony of the legislation on the
Indo-U.S. nuclear deal into law at the White House's ornate
East Room Wednesday night.

Sant Chatwal, the Chairman of the 'Indian-Americans for
Democrats', was among the community leaders who exchanged
conversation with President George W. Bush as he finished
signing the HR7081 bill.

Chatwal said he gave the message of congratulations from
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to the U.S. President and in
return Bush asked him to convey his congratulations to the
Indian leader.

Bush also asked him to convey that "he (Singh) is my best
friend," Chatwal told P.T.I. over phone.

The community leader from New York said he thanked the
U.S. President on behalf of the Indian-American community,
adding that they were "very grateful" for Bush getting up at
three in morning to place calls to world leaders to take them
on board on the Indo-U.S. nuclear deal.

Chatwal also said that special thanks had to be paid to
the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi;
Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Howard Berman;
senior Senator from New York Charles Schummer; and Congressmen
from New York like Gary Ackerman and Joseph Crowley.

"Without their help the deal would not have happened. The
timing is very important for India," he said.

Another top community leader, who had come down from
Texas for the special occasion, looked at the signing of the
legislation as "graduation" day, reminiscing the path the
civilian nuclear deal had taken since the time of its
announcement in July 2005.

"Today it was graduation day. During the last three years
we faced many difficult tests but always making good grades to
move to the next level.

"Finally the day came.... We delivered what we are asked
to deliver. Now both nations need to utilise this agreement to
maximise its benefits for their citizens and the human race,"
Ashok Mago, the Chairman of the USINDIA FORUM, said.

He said it was "a delight to see everyone appreciating
President Bush even some die hard democrats who were too
anxious to have a picture not only with him but also with Vice
President Dick Cheney and Secretary Rice. That is really nice.
That is the spirit of bipartisanship." PTI SK
PMR