The Hindu : International / India & World : No room for misinterpretation of remarks on Iraq: Natwar

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Sunday, Jun 13, 2004

International

International - India & World

No room for misinterpretation of remarks on Iraq: Natwar

By Sridhar Krishnaswami

WASHINGTON, JUNE 12. Even while stressing that there is ``no room'' for misinterpreting of what he had said on Iraq, the External Affairs Minister, Natwar Singh, told reporters here that he had been ``in the game for quite a while and if I were to lose nerve just because somebody calls me names... it doesn't affect me at all.''

The Minister took several questions on Iraq, especially on the reaction to his comments of Thursday evening have brought about in India. ``I want to raise the level of our national dialogue and when I am outside the country I don't want to criticise my colleagues in the Opposition,'' he said.

Mr. Singh was also asked to reflect on his past views of the United States and the Bush administration and what implications, if any, this would have under the new and present scheme of things. ``I was unemployed for 15 years... I have been the official spokesman of the Congress party on foreign affairs. As a member of the Opposition we make political remarks about the Government's policies. It was my duty to do so. And, as the Foreign Minister now, it is my duty to do everything to enhance, broaden, widen and deepen our relations with the United States, China, Pakistan, the European Union, Japan,'' Mr. Singh said.

Mr. Singh said New Delhi was committed to continuing the dialogue and take it forward with Pakistan. ``I have repeatedly said that we will have a consistent and stated policy towards Pakistan,'' which will be based on the Shimla Accord, the Lahore Declaration and the statement issued Jointly in Islamabad in January 2004.

Mr. Singh said that both he and the Secretary of State, Colin Powell, agreed that ``we share a common interest and vision and that we will not let our differences overshadow the important areas of agreement. I expressed optimism that we will be able to maintain and enhance the tempo of our partnership not just in the political sphere but in the areas of defence, economic and commercial ties, science and technology and high technology commerce as well.''

Pointing to the fact that a lot of goodwill existed on both sides, the Minister spoke of the need to look at India-United States relationship in a multi-dimensional fashion in which new areas could be added.

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No room for misinterpretation of remarks on Iraq: Natwar