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Clinton's change of plan causes a stir

US President Bill Clinton's decision not to visit Joypura village in Bangladesh today sparked off the misunderstanding that he was also dropping Jaipur from his itinerary because of security reasons.

Because of concerns raised by the secret service, the US President was advised to cancel the trip to Joypura village during his daylong visit of Bangaldesh today.

A section of the media in India reported that it was Jaipur that Clinton was going to skip, sending off panic signals among the authorities in Rajasthan who had made elaborate arrangements for Clinton's visit. The media, which too had made all plans for coverage of Clinton's visit, soon learnt there was no change in his schedule.

"There is no change in his official programme," a US embassy official said.

As per schedule, Clinton will reach Jaipur on the night of March 22 from Agra by helicopter for his two-day trip of Rajasthan. State Public Works Department Secretary Rakesh Verma had yesterday said at Jaipur that security arrangements were thoroughly reviewed in view of Clinton's visit.

A thorough check has been conducted of all the 15 helipads near the places the American president is going to visit, Rajvilas hotel (where he will stay), Amer fort, Naila village and Ranthambhore, had been conducted, he said.

Clinton was asked not to go to Joypura in Bangladesh because the agency charged with protecting the president was reportedly uncomfortable with the 35-km helicopter ride over dense tropical forests and felt a motorcade would take too long to reach the village.

CLINTON VISITS INDIA : The complete coverage

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