Saturday, January 29 2005 16:04 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Observing that the world cannot but be deeply concerned about the escalating violence in Iraq, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today (Jan 29, 2005) expressed hope that tomorrow's (Jan 30, 2005) elections there are held in an "environment of peace, with the full and genuine participation of all Iraqis".

He also expressed concern that the impact of any negative developments in West Asia could greatly affect the Indian economy and threaten its energy security strategy.

In an indirect criticism of the NDA (National Democratic Alliance) Government's West Asia policy, Singh said, "Our domestic preoccupations in the past have to an extent, detracted from our traditional focus" on the important region at a time which "unfortunately, was one of the most complex periods in that region's history".

"The world awaits the outcome of tomorrow's elections in Iraq with anxiety and hope. Although this is the first part of what promises to be a complex process in securing the future of Iraq, the world cannot but be deeply concerned about the escalating levels of violence, and the increasing cost thereof", he said launching the Centre of West Asian Studies at the Jamia Millia Islamia University in New Delhi.

"We cannot but recall the extent of sufferings of the Iraqi people over the past decade, in particular following the imposition of sanctions, and under the present disturbed situation," he said.

As a nation that has always stood by the people of Iraq, the Prime Minister said, "We sincerely hope that the elections are held in an environment of peace, with the full and genuine participation of all Iraqis in the democratic process".