New Delhi, Sept 05: India would take up the Palestinian concerns over US-backed roadmap for peace in West Asia with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon during his landmark visit from Monday but ruled out any mediatory role between the two warring sides. About Palestinian concerns on the 'road map', officials here said, "Of course, this issue will be discussed. The whole Palestinian issue has been with us....It is a cardinal principle of our foreign policy ever since independence."

"We will project our views on the developments especially after the road map during the parleys," the officials said. During his recent visit to Delhi, Palestinian Foreign Nabil Sha'ath had urged india to impress upon Sharon that continued violence against Palestinians would not help in the implementation of the road map.
Asked about reports that Israel was contemplating expelling Palestinian Chief Yasser Arafat, the officials said, "We have not seen any particular move to expel him" and added "government of Israel will think carefully before it takes such a step." Contrary to media speculation, the two countries are not expected to sign any defence agreement during the four-day visit by Sharon, the first-ever by an Israeli premier since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1992.

However, the issue relating to sale of Phalcon Airborne Early Warning System by Israel to India is likely to figure during the parleys between the two sides.

Senior officials of the External Affairs Ministry said six agreements would be inked during the visit. These related to environment protection, combating illicit trafficking and abuse of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances and visa free travel for diplomatic official and service personnel between the two countries. The two sides will also sign accords on cooperation in the field of health and medicines, education and culture.

Bureau Report