New Delhi: Defence Minister George Fernandes, who is in the eye of a storm over the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) report issue, on August 16 said he would participate in the debate on the Opposition- sponsored no-confidence motion against the government in the Lok Sabha on August 18.

"I will take part in the debate," he told reporters after a meeting of National Democratic Alliance (NDA) partners convened by Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee ahead of the no-trust motion.

Fernandes, who is the convenor of NDA, said if necessary, All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) would be approached for supporting the government during the no-confidence motion.

"We will very much like AIADMK to support and if necessary, the party will be approached," the Defence Minister said.

PTI