Thursday, January 5 2006 12:08 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Chennai: Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee, who was here to launch the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) multi-media campaign, called on Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) President M Karunanidhi at his residence today (Jan 5,2006).

Emerging after a 20-minute meeting, Mukherjee told reporters that he had been having a 'close relationship' with Karunanidhi since 1970s.

Asked about the remarks by some UPA constituents, including MDMK, opposing to the defence pact with Sri Lanka, he said it was the 'stated policy of the Union Government not to interfere in the affairs of other countries.

Shipping Minister T R Baalu was also present at Karunanidhi's residence.