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India seeks clarification from US on mandate of force in Iraq
New Delhi, June 16: India today sought clarification from the US on the mandate of the stabilisation force in Iraq as a high-level Pentagon team urged New Delhi to consider contributing its troops.
New Delhi, June 16: India today sought clarification from the US on the mandate of the stabilisation force in Iraq as a high-level Pentagon team urged New Delhi to consider contributing its troops.
These included the nature of forces required for stability operations, their role, mandate and the relationship with the UN, an external affairs ministry spokesperson said after day-long meeting between the two sides on the issue of deployment.
New Delhi also sought clarification on development of a responsible Iraqi interim administration, future political evolution in that country and the humanitarian relief and reconstruction activities.
The US team led by assistant secretary of defence for international security affairs, Peter Rodman held two rounds of discussions with the Indian delegation headed by B S Prakash, joint secretary (UN-political) in the external affairs ministry. After the delegation-level talks, the Pentagon team met national security advisor Brajesh Mishra and foreign secretary Kanwal Sibal separately.
"These discussions were part of process of wide-ranging consultations that the government proposes to hold to have a better appreciation of the situation and take appropriate decisions as necessary," the spokesperson said.
She said the US team gave a briefing on the current political, economic and security situation in Iraq and the role India can play in contributing to security and stability of the war-ravaged country. The parleys were held in the context of UN Security Council Resolution 1483 of May 21 which appealed to member states to assist the people of Iraq in their efforts to reform their institutions, rebuild the country and to contribute conditions of stability and security in Iraq.
The US delegation included top Army, Air Force and Naval commanders from its Central Command, which is overseeing operations in Iraq. The Indian side, besides MEA officials, included senior officials from the defence ministry and armed forces.
Moving cautiously on the issue, government has said it would take a decision on it only after evolving a political consensus keeping "best national interest in view" and consulting countries in that region.
The issue was discussed at a 70-minute meeting Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had with leader of the opposition and Congress president Sonia Gandhi yesterday.
Major political parties have voiced reservations against sending Indian troops to Iraq apprehending that they would have to work under US flag. Bureau Report
New Delhi also sought clarification on development of a responsible Iraqi interim administration, future political evolution in that country and the humanitarian relief and reconstruction activities.
The US team led by assistant secretary of defence for international security affairs, Peter Rodman held two rounds of discussions with the Indian delegation headed by B S Prakash, joint secretary (UN-political) in the external affairs ministry. After the delegation-level talks, the Pentagon team met national security advisor Brajesh Mishra and foreign secretary Kanwal Sibal separately.
"These discussions were part of process of wide-ranging consultations that the government proposes to hold to have a better appreciation of the situation and take appropriate decisions as necessary," the spokesperson said.
She said the US team gave a briefing on the current political, economic and security situation in Iraq and the role India can play in contributing to security and stability of the war-ravaged country. The parleys were held in the context of UN Security Council Resolution 1483 of May 21 which appealed to member states to assist the people of Iraq in their efforts to reform their institutions, rebuild the country and to contribute conditions of stability and security in Iraq.
The US delegation included top Army, Air Force and Naval commanders from its Central Command, which is overseeing operations in Iraq. The Indian side, besides MEA officials, included senior officials from the defence ministry and armed forces.
Moving cautiously on the issue, government has said it would take a decision on it only after evolving a political consensus keeping "best national interest in view" and consulting countries in that region.
The issue was discussed at a 70-minute meeting Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had with leader of the opposition and Congress president Sonia Gandhi yesterday.
Major political parties have voiced reservations against sending Indian troops to Iraq apprehending that they would have to work under US flag. Bureau Report