(GPS) (GLONASS) United States – Russian Federation Joint Statement

Press Statement Richard Boucher, Spokesman Washington, DC December 14, 2004

United States – Russian Federation Joint Statement

Following is the text of a joint statement by the United States and the Russian Federation on the U.S. Global Positioning System (GPS) and the Russian Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS).

Delegations of the United States and the Russian Federation met in Washington D.C. on December 9-10, 2004, to continue discussions on matters relating to GPS and GLONASS cooperation.

Both sides reiterated their commitment to continuing these talks and reaffirmed that the United States and the Russian Federation intend to continue to provide the GPS and GLONASS civil signals appropriate for commercial, scientific and safety of life use on a continuous, worldwide basis, free of direct user fees.

The United States and the Russian Federation intend to cooperate, as appropriate, on matters of mutual interest related to civil satellite-based navigation and timing signals and systems, value-added services, and global navigation and timing goods in relevant international organizations and fora.

In particular, both sides intend to work together to the maximum extent practicable to maintain radio frequency compatibility in spectrum use between each other's satellite-based navigation and timing signals.

Both sides will work together to the maximum extent practicable to maintain compatibility and promote interoperability of GPS and GLONASS for civil user benefits worldwide. To this end, both sides intend to establish working groups on matters of development and use of GLONASS and GPS and their respective augmentations.

Both sides will begin preliminary discussions on an agreement for GPS – GLONASS cooperation.

2004/1357 [End]

India’s Fight Against HIV/AIDS

Media Note Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC December 14, 2004

United States Supports India’s Fight Against HIV/AIDS

As part of our broad and growing relationship, the United States is committed to supporting the people and Government of India in their national response to the challenge of combating HIV/AIDS.

Through President Bush’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, the United States has contributed over $20 million in 2004 to support India’s fight against HIV/AIDS. As part of the Emergency Plan, the U.S. Agency for International Development, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institutes of Health and other U.S. agencies are working with the Government of India and with non-governmental organizations to share knowledge, research and resources. India and the U.S. have been partners in biomedical research and combating diseases for over 35 years.

In Tamil Nadu state in southern India, the U.S. has joined forces with the Indian Network of Positive People and the Government Hospital of Thoracic Medicine to convert one wing of the hospital into India’s first Family Counseling Center, providing clients and their families with pre- and post-test counseling that focuses on HIV transmission, disease progression, treatment options, health management, nutrition, and risk management. The U.S. is also working with Pathway in pioneering a comprehensive, community-based approach to improve the lives of persons living with HIV/AIDS. Pathway provides its clients and their families health care and services that are close to home. This includes teaching skills in providing home-based care to lessen the burden on the established health care system.

The United States is committed to combating HIV/AIDS, the greatest health crisis of our time, and to bring new hope to those suffering with HIV/AIDS.

2004/1354 [End