New Delhi: India on April 10 said it is in touch with the UN and its agencies on the
issue of humanitarian assistance to Iraq and closely watching the "complex"
situation in the war-ravaged country.
"We are watching the situation very closely. It is a very complex situation not only
in military terms but also in the management of peace," External Affairs Ministry
spokesman told reporters.
Observing that it was an "extremely fluid and evolving" situation, he said issues
that need immediate attention were maintenance of law and order and of preserving
Iraq's territorial integrity and sovereignty.
"The situation has not yet decanted fully. It has not yet crystallized," he
said.
Asked about India's main concerns on the developments in Iraq, he said these
included an immediate end to the war, early withdrawal of its forces by the US-led
coalition, speedy humanitarian assistance while ensuring that territorial integrity
and sovereignty of that country were maintained.
"We are in touch with the UN and its agencies," he said when asked about India's
role in meeting humanitarian needs of the Iraqi people.
Asked when India would ask its Ambassador to Iraq, who moved to Jordan before the
war broke out, to return to Baghdad, he said, "There is no read out on
that."
Asked whether Iraq's Ambassador in New Delhi would be recalled, he said there were
standard international practices. Once a new government assumes office, it takes
view on its representatives abroad.
PTI
