Monday, November 7 2005 18:11 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Natwar today (Nov 07, 2005) was removed as Foreign Minister, according to sources. He will remain in the ministry without portfolio. He will be given back if name cleared, says PM. Foreign Ministry to remain with PM.

It is untenable to stay as Foreign Minster for Natwar during the probe, asserted party ministers. Natwar Singh is yet to respond to this development. The arrangement, as reports suggest, was worked in a meeting between Natwar Singh and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

The meeting followed discussions between Congress president Sonia Gandhi, senior party leaders and Cabinet ministers.

Finance Minister P Chidambaram was also present at the Prime Minister's residence around the time Natwar Singh went there.

Before joining Congress he was an IFS Officer.