Tuesday, November 8 2005 12:07 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Washington: The Bush administration has no comments on Natwar Singh being relieved as External Affairs Minister in the wake of a United Nations probe committee naming him as beneficiary in Iraqi oil pay offs during Saddam Hussein's regime.

"On the resignation or the action by the External Affairs, Minister of External Affairs, I'd refer you to the Government of India for comment on that," State Department's Deputy Spokesman Adam Ereli said when asked about his reaction.

Singh was yesterday (Nov 7, 2005) relieved as External Affairs Minister and was made Minister without portfolio.

Ereil said, "We will continue to work closely and in partnership with the Government on a broad agenda of bilateral issues and regional cooperation and we certainly look forward to continuing that."

On the ongoing Indo-US joint military exercises at Kalaikunda air base that witnessed protests by Left parties, he said, "I don't know anything about that. I'd refer you to the Department of Defense."

Asked about the Iran issue and Singh's statement on the IAEA resolution, Ereli said, "I hadn't seen the remarks you talked about and I think the way forward on that issue is clear. The IAEA issued a resolution on it. We all know what's needed and we'll work to accomplish that and meet again to review progress."

Singh had last week said that he would favour revision of India's vote on Iran nuclear programme at the upcoming meeting of IAEA if a resolution stronger than the one placed last time was put forward.