Date:15/06/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/06/15/stories/2007061504971200.htm

National

Text of statement

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: This is the text of the press release issued after the meeting of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) and Left leaders here on Thursday:

It said: "This meeting of the UPA and Left Parties resolved unanimously to field Smt. Pratibha Devi Singh Patil, a distinguished woman leader of the country, as the UPA's Presidential candidate, supported by the Left Parties, BSP and some other parties.

"This meeting appeals to all political parties and members of the electoral college to extend support to elect her as the first woman President of the Republic of India in the 60th anniversary of the country's independence."