Bangalore: Defence Minister George Fernandes today (Dec 17, 2003) indicated that erection of fence along the Line of Control (LoC) would continue despite Pakistan's protest.

"It's their business to protest. It's our business to do our work," Fernandes told reporters after attending a function.

He denied reports that more troops are being engaged on the LoC in an effort to block infiltration of terrorists from bases in Pakistan during winter. "Nothing of that nature," Fernandes said.

Asked if he thought former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein should be given an international trial or tried by the Iraqi Governing Council, he replied, "I think there are lots of views which are being expressed. So, time will tell."

Queried if the Gorshkov deal, believed to be worth $ 1.8 billion, would be signed with Russia next month, Fernandes said, "We are in the process of finalising it."

When sought his comment on the report of the Parliamentary Committee on Defence that the Defence Ministry had failed to procure one-lakh bullet-proof jackets for Rs 150 crore and failed to prepare the Tenth Plan, he said, "It has been replied."

Taking his time off from Parliament, Fernandes earlier attended the inaugural function of the Aeronautical Society of India's 55th annual general meeting and international seminar on "100 Years since First Powered Flight" and technical seminar on "Advances in Aerospace Sciences".

PTI