Us congress rejects bills seeking cut in aid to pak

WASHINGTON: The US House of Representatives has rejected by vote two amendments to cut US assistance for Pakistan. While debating the annual Defence Appropriations Act for the financial year 2017, Congressman Ted Poe of Texas and Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard from Hawaii moved an amendment to cut the Coalition Support Fund (CSF) for Pakistan from $900 million to $700m. Another lawmaker, Congressman Dana Rohrabacher, submitted a separate amendment calling for ending all CSF assistance for Pakistan. Earlier in May, the US House of Representatives had approved $900m CSF outlay for Pakistan as part of the annual Defence Authorisation Bill. The house rejected both amendments by voice vote but resorted to a recorded vote after both Congressmen insisted on it. The amendment moved by Mr Poe and Ms Gabbard was defeated by 230 to 191. Mr Rohrabacher’s amendment was defeated by 336-84. The Coalition Support Fund was set up to reimburse US allies for the efforts they make for fighting terrorism. It links Pakistan with Afghanistan but the US Senate passed a bill last week, proposing a separate fund of $800m for assisting Pakistan. The new proposal also delinks Pakistan from Afghanistan, recognising that Pakistan has its own strategic importance.

The “most diverse” International Yoga Day observances are slated to be held over two days at the UN headquarters where the ancient holistic science of India will be celebrated by a microcosm of the world’s nationalities, religions and cultures, blending its practice and yogic meals with digital interactivity, glamour, and an examination of its relevance to the global body’s mission.

On Yoga Day 21 June, “Sadhguru” Jaggi Vasudev will lead the celebrations at the circle in front of the glassfronted UN headquarters tower by holding a session of simple yoga practice and yogic chants.

General Assembly President Morgens Lykketoft is to be the the chief guest at the event and Cristina Gallach, the Under Secretary General for Communication and Public Information, a featured speaker.

“Yoga teaches us how to achieve inner peace and lead healthier lives,” Gallach told IANS Friday explaining the relevance of the celebration. “The International Day of Yoga gives us an opportunity to bring this message to the United Nations.”

“We expect a huge turnout at Yoga Day gathering at the UN Secretariat Circle,” India’s Permanent Representative Syed Akbaruddin told IANS. “We hope that it will be the most diverse gathering of Yoga participants ever.”

Nina Davuluri, Miss America 2014, is expected to add a touch of of glamour to the event. Special Yogic meals are on the menu for the celebration.

A day earlier on June 20, which is the Summer Solstice Day this year, a meeting at the UN will focus on how yoga can promote the Sustainable Development Goals ( SDGs) adopted by world leaders last September. The inner peace and healthy lifestyles that yoga inculcates “is crucial if we are to respect each other, and to respect all forms of life on Earth and below water,” Gallach said. “In that way it helps us to achieve the SDGs.”

“Emphasis is on enhancing awareness that Yoga is a holistic approach rather than only physical activity,” Akbaruddin said. “Hence we are having for the first time ‘Conversations with Yoga Masters’ on how Yoga can help in achieving SDGs.”

He added, “Ambassadors and diplomats from various countries will also share their own experiences of

“Ambassadors and diplomats from various countries will also share their own experiences of how yoga has influenced their life styles at this seminal event.”