Chandigarh, Sept 12: Terming New Delhi's decision to buy the Hawk AJT as a turning point in defence ties between the two countries, British High Commissioner Rob Young today said, "This move will open the face for new technology transfers between India and UK." Young, who is on a farewell visit to the city, said "UK believes that the purchase of aircraft is the right choice for India," assuring there would be no difficulty for the Indian government in acquiring spare parts for the jet trainer.

Pressing India to consider the issue of contributing troops to Iraq, he said Indian troops "could do an excellent job in that country." Young said Iraqi leader Saddam Hussain had ignored several UN Security Council resolutions on handling of Weapons of Mass Destruction.

"He (Saddam) did not comply with the resolutions of the Security Council and concealed the evidence of Weapons of Mass Destruction," Young said adding "the UK is in the process of restoring Iraq to Iraqis." Hailing the Indian government's efforts at achieving normal relations with Pakistan, he said that the government should try to settle issues with Pakistan through talks.
"The Government of India has managed the situation with Pakistan with skill, care and reputation," he said.

Maintaining that both UK and India would have to work together to end the menace of terrorism, young said "if all the governments around the world carried out a series of actions to stop support to terrorism then it (terrorism) would be stopped in most of it's forms." Bureau Report