New Delhi: US Ambassador Robert Blackwill on April 16 met Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani and is understood to have discussed America's plans for reconstruction of war- ravaged Iraq.

Blackwill, who was there with Advani for nearly 45 minutes, is also believed to have conveyed to the Deputy Prime Minister Washington's efforts to establish an interim administration in Baghdad led by Iraqis opposed to Saddam Hussain and his Ba'ath Party.

The US Envoy had met Advani shortly before the start of the US-led attack on Iraq. India has made it clear that all reconstruction efforts should be carried out under the aegis of the United Nations and any future government in Baghdad should comprise Iraqis.

PTI