M A I N   N E W S

Annan’s remarks draw guarded response

New Delhi, July 17
India today reacted guardedly to UN Secretary General Kofi Annan’s remarks that the Security Council might issue an appeal to member states to contribute troops to Iraq, saying these are “developing circumstances”.

Asked about statements by U S Secretary of State Colin Powell about the possibility of another UN Security Council resolution on Iraq, External Affairs Ministry spokesman said “these are developing circumstances.

“These statements have been made by various people reacting to the reality as they see there taking place. I have no specific comment to make,” he said.

On whether these moves would open the door for India to reconsider its decision on sending troops, he said the recent decision of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) spoke for itself.

The CCS had said if there was an “explicit UN mandate”, the Indian government could consider sending troops to Iraq.

Asked how India viewed Russia’s demand for convening a UNSC session to discuss a fresh resolution on Iraq, he said “We are not a member of the UNSC....These are evolving developments which we are watching like the rest of the world”.

The spokesman termed as “factually incorrect” reports that the US had conveyed its displeasure to India on the CCS decision. “There has been an ongoing dialogue between India and the US on this issue for a long time. From all their statements, it is clear that they understand the difficulties involved”.

The spokesman said the US would have, of course, preferred a positive decision on its request.

“Relationship between India and the US is multifaceted and, as has been made out on several occasions, is not contingent on one issue,” he said.

He recalled remarks by the US State Department spokesman that India remained an important strategic partner and that continuation of the transformation of Indo-US ties was important to it. — PTI