Bangalore: India on February 13 ruled out taking on any mediatory role to prevent war on Iraq.

Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee speaking to reporters at the airport in Bangalore on his arrival on a two-day visit to Karnataka declared India would not mediate in preventing war on Iraq.

When asked whether India would mediate, Prime Minister cryptically replied "no mediation".

Vajpayee however said efforts would continue till the last minute to prevent the war.

On being queried about the plans of the government on the Ayodhya row, which has heightened following persistent demand by VHP (Vishwa Hindu Parishad) to hand over the entire acquired land to it by February 22, Vajpayee said the issue was before the Supreme Court.

Vajpayee said the government hoped that the court would decide the matter soon and its verdict will be binding on all the parties concerned.

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Asked what is his advise to VHP would be, the Prime Minister quipped, "Nobody has sought my advice. If you (media) are speaking on behalf of VHP, I can tell you."

In reply to a question on the delay in giving clearances for the much awaited international airport project proposed near Devanahalli on the city outskirts in Bangalore, Vajpayee said steps were being initiated at the official level to ensure speedy clearance.

"The international airport project in Bangalore will soon happen," the Prime Minister assured to the Karnataka Chief Minister S M Krishna, who was beside him at the airport.

Beaming Krishna acknowledged the assurance with gratitude.

Earlier, Vajpayee was received by the Karnataka Governor T N Chaturvedi, Krishna, Union Ministers Anant Kumar and Basavaraj Patil Yatnal.

PTI