New Delhi: Britain was keenly awaiting a positive response from India on sending a peacekeeping force to the war-ravaged Iraq, British High Commissioner to India Rob Young said.

"We are keen to see as many countries as possible, including India, participating in the process. India has unrivalled experience in peacekeeping in many countries and missions across the world," he said speaking at a function on "Impressions of a Diplomatic Career" on July 9.

Terming India as a "growing global power", he said "India will have a major voice" in the changing world order and the responsibility and authority will grow further as it transforms itself into a global power.

Young, who is leaving India in October 2003 after a five-year stint, termed his stay in India as an excellent and fascinating experience.

"It has been a fascinating and rewarding experience working in this country, rather in this continent. I cannot imagine a more attracting and fulfilling end to my career than as High Commissioner here," he said.

Recollecting an eventful career spanning over three-decades, he termed witnessing the historic Oslo peace accord signed between Israel and Palestine and being chosen as the High Commissioner to India as the most memorable events in his life.

Young, who had served for many years in West Asia, also dispelled the argument that "Islam and democracy are incompatible" saying the insufficient representation of common man in the decision making process and lack of people with vision and courage were the main drawbacks.

PTI