Hazaribagh (Jharkhand): External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha on April 12
suggested reconstruction of post-war Iraq under UN supervision in which India should
have an active role to play.
Welcoming Russia's stand on rebuilding the war-ravaged West Asian nation under the
aegis of the UN, Sinha told reporters that India strongly favours reconstruction
efforts to be undertaken under the guidance of the UN.
Asked if New Delhi would support any new regime in Iraq after the fall of Saddam
Hussein, Sinha said, "We are closely watching the situation and we will act
appropriately at an appropriate time."
Stating that among the Gulf nations India's relations with Iraq were the best, he
said shared commitment of the two nations to secularism provided sound basis for
it.
Sinha said the war on Iraq would have little impact on Indian economy and it will
have virtually no impact on the inflow of petroleum products.
In reply to another question, Sinha reiterated Pakistan is fitter case than Iraq for
pre-emptive strike as it (Pakistan) has destructive nuclear centres already known to
US. Besides, Islamabad is also engaged in proliferation of weapons of mass
destruction.
"Pakistan has emerged as the epicentre of international terrorism. It is promoting
cross-border terrorism in India and sheltering al-Qaida militants."
Sinha maintained despite its strong opposition to US-led attack on Iraq, India's
relations with the US had not worsened. The course of Indo-US relations cannot be
determined by any single issue, he said.
PTI
