Friday, December 2 2005 18:41 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Union Minister Natwar Singh today (Dec 2, 2005) termed as 'outrageous and malicious' Indian Ambassador to Croatia Aniel Matherani's reported claims on the Iraqi-oil pay-offs involving him and said he was contemplating legal action.

"I have read in the latest issue of India Today, Mr Aniel Matherani's outrageous allegations against the Congress party and myself. These are totally false and malicious. I shall consult my lawyer for further action," he said in a statement here.

He said he was ready to face any time-bound inquiry on the issue so that his name was cleared at the earliest.

Questioning Matherani's motive behind the interview, Natwar said his 'conscience is clear.'

"The obvious question to ask is why did Mr Matherani give this interview at this time. If he was so concerned about the matter, why did he not go public earlier. He (Matherani) was in Delhi when the Volcker report controversy came up," Singh said.

Natwar said, "My conscience is clear. I am ready to face any inquiry, which is time-bound, so that my name is cleared at the earliest."

He, however, refused to take any questions from the media persons.