London: Britain may soon consider giving citizenship to Nepalese Gurkhas who had served in British Armed forces, ending a nearly three-year long battle being fought by former Gurkhas.

An indication to this effect was given by Prime Minister Tony Blair at his monthly press conference when he said, "Action will be taken within weeks over the plight of the Gurkhas who are fighting for British citizenship."

An official spokesman of Blair said, "The Prime Minister was indicating the matter is being reviewed. He was acknowledging there is an issue which has to be looked at."

The Home Office, which had blocked applications of Nepalese troops, said an end was in sight. "Ministers are now working on a solution to this problem."

A Ministry of Defence spokesman said, "The Home Office and MoD are progressing the review of Gurkha immigration and nationality and an announcement will be made by Ministers as soon as possible."

Applauding the campaign for the Gurkhas' basic rights to be respected, Ms Ann Widdecombe, MP, former Home Office Minister, said the Government must "recognise the contribution made by Gurkhas to every theatre of war in which British troops have been deployed since 1945." She said, "Any member of NATO (Non-Aligned Treaty Organisation) armed forces can lawfully enter the UK upon discharge and can ask to stay here."

"If a Turkish infantryman can do that, why deny it to the Gurkhas?