New Delhi, June 21: NDA tonight left it to Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to take an appropriate decision on the issue of sending troops to Iraq. "The Prime Minister should take an appropriate decision (on the issue of sending troops to Iraq) keeping in mind the national interest and the interest of the Iraqi people," NDA convenor George Fernandes told reporters after a meeting of the constituents which lasted for nearly 90 minutes.

Replying to questions, Fernandes said a decision could be taken only after the Prime Minister returned from Beijing. He said the Prime Minister will hold discussions with other political parties, including the Samajwadi Party, on the issue.

External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha said New Delhi was yet to receive clarifications from the United States on the issue of command and control structures in the event of India deciding to send troops to Iraq.

"There have been a number of questions asked to the us team which was here for discussions on this issue. Some, they were able to reply. To some others they said, they will get back after discussions in Washington," he said. Bureau Report