Saturday, November 5 2005 18:10 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Coming out in support of beleaguered External Affairs Minister K Natwar Singh and Congress, Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) leader and Union Minister E Ahamed today (Nov 5, 2005) rejected as 'baseless and incorrect' the references made in the UN report.

Ahamed, Minister of State for External Affairs whose party is an ally in the United Progressive Alliance (UPA), denounced the 'unfair and uncalled for treatment' being meted out to his 'distinguished' public figure and cautioned against passing of any 'judgement in haste that too based on narrow and partisan considerations'.

In a statement issued here, the IUML leader said, "The references being made about him are baseless and incorrect. I am sorry that such unfair and uncalled for treatment is being meted out to a distinguished public figure who has an unblemished record of selfless service."

Noting that he had known Singh for many years, Ahamed said, "His integrity and commitment to public service and his impeccable record is well known."

Expressing deep dismay at the 'trial by media' against Singh, the Minister of State for External Affairs said, "For almost five decades, he (Singh) has rendered yeomen's service to the nation with distinction. I would call upon everyone not to pass their judgement in haste and that too based on narrow and partisan considerations."

He said his party and he himself 'stand in support' with the Congress party and Singh on the issue 'as it is a matter of India's honour and prestige'.