AAHOA Applauds Ratification of U.S.-India Nuclear Agreement

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. October 14, 2008

WASHINGTON, DC. October 5, 2008. The Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) commends the U.S. Congress for its historic approval of Section 123 of the U.S. Atomic Energy Act, also known as the 123 Agreement. Passage of the 123 Agreement will not only allow India to reduce its dependence on foreign oil, but will solidify a new era in the burgeoning relationship between the United States and India - the world's oldest and largest democracies.

The momentous passage of the 123 Agreement on October 1, 2008 will allow India to join the international nuclear non-proliferation mainstream and achieve energy security. The 123 Agreement will also open a route for U.S. companies to participate in the development of India's civil nuclear technology by providing them with opportunities to build nuclear power plants, supply nuclear fuel to India, and participate in civil nuclear research. Aside from these extensive prospects, however, the ratification of the 123 Agreement also represents the beginning of a new era in the relations between the U.S. and India, which will benefit the world at large.

For the past several years, AAHOA leaders have actively promoted the approval of the 123 Agreement by participating in many high-level meetings and conference calls with the White House and representatives from the Department of State. AAHOA members from across the country also signed petitions, sent letters and e-mails, and made telephone calls to members of Congress, urging them to support the 123 Agreement. AAHOA further expressed support for the 123 Agreement with key members of Congress on both sides of the aisle during a recent Capitol Hill Reception and Dinner in Washington, D.C. on September 10, 2008.

"This event would not have happened without the extraordinary leadership of President Bush and Prime Minister Singh, and their ongoing efforts to ensure the passage of the 123 Agreement," said AAHOA Chairman Ashwin "Ash" Patel. "As Indian Americans, we are celebrating this significant occasion because it will have a lasting and far-reaching impact on the future of our great countries."

"Our AAHOA leaders and members played a key role in contacting members of Congress to assist them in understanding the importance of this Agreement," said AAHOA President Fred Schwartz. "It is profoundly gratifying that our efforts have produced such notable results."

About AAHOA (www.aahoa.com)

The Asian American Hotel Owners Association ("AAHOA") is THE voice of owners in the hospitality industry. Founded in 1989, AAHOA is now one of the fastest-growing organizations in the industry, with over 8,800 members owning more than 22,000 hotels that total $60 billion in property value. AAHOA officers include Chairman Ashwin "Ash" Patel, Vice Chairman Tarun Patel, Secretary ChandraKant "C.K." Patel, Treasurer Hemant D. Patel, and President Fred Schwartz, who work closely with a 31-member board of directors to provide direction for the association. AAHOA is dedicated to promoting and protecting the interests of its members by inspiring excellence through programs and initiatives in advocacy, industry leadership, professional development, member benefits, and community involvement.