New Delhi: Hitting out at the Opposition for opposing deployment of Indian troops to Iraq, Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani on June 11 said the government would take a decision on the issue taking into account the national interest.

"The Opposition issued a one-sided 'fatwa' without seeking any information" on the issue, Advani told 'Aaj Tak' in Washington, without naming any party.

"They should not have done this. This is wrong. They are entitled to their views, but the government will take a decision keeping the national interest in mind," he said.

Participation of Indian troops in the US-led stabilisation force in Iraq figured prominently during the talks Advani had with American leaders and President George W Bush is sending a team of Pentagon officials on June 16 to New Delhi to address India's clarifications on the issue.

The Congress and the Left parties have opposed the US moves and leader of the Opposition Sonia Gandhi is slated to discuss the issue with Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on June 15.

He also said that US was "impressed" by India's recent peace initiative with Pakistan.

"Despite the difficulties, we have shown courage to take the initiative once again. Seeing this, they (US) are very impressed by our Prime Minister," he said.

Speaking on Indo-US relations, Advani said, "The relations between these two important democracies should be close and trustworthy so that terrorism can be ended worldwide."

PTI