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`National interest will be key on Iraq troops decision`
On board special aircraft, June 22: India`s national interest will be the key to government`s decision on whether to send troops to Iraq, a top Indian official said today.
On board special aircraft, June 22: India's national interest will be the key to government's decision on whether to send troops to Iraq, a top Indian official said today.
The source, on condition of anonymity, told reporters on board the Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's special aircraft on the flight to Beijing that India's final decision would depend on a number of factors, most important being the "national interest".
New Delhi was awaiting response to the clarifications that had been sought from the United States. Some clarifications have been furnished but more are awaited, the source said.
The process of consulting political parties, which began with a meeting between Vajpayee and Sonia Gandhi would continue, he said.
Issues that concern New Delhi include a time frame for the transfer of authority of representatives of the Iraqi people. India was also consulting Iraq's neighbours such as Iran, Syria and Jordan, he said.
Bureau Report
New Delhi was awaiting response to the clarifications that had been sought from the United States. Some clarifications have been furnished but more are awaited, the source said.
The process of consulting political parties, which began with a meeting between Vajpayee and Sonia Gandhi would continue, he said.
Issues that concern New Delhi include a time frame for the transfer of authority of representatives of the Iraqi people. India was also consulting Iraq's neighbours such as Iran, Syria and Jordan, he said.
Bureau Report