Iran N-issue should be resolved diplomatically: Indian PM
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
New Delhi, Feb 1, IRNA
India-Iran-PM
Just a day ahead of the crucial meeting of the IAEA in Vienna, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said that Iran's nuclear issue should be resolved diplomatically.
"I still believe that this is a matter which should be resolved through diplomacy and dialogue," Singh said in a media interaction here Wednesday.
The joint statement issued by the P-5 (five permanent members of the UNSC) and Germany was significant and efforts were on in Vienna to resolve the issue through dialogue.
On India's position, he said it would depend on the contents of the resolution, which he was yet to see, but asked Tehran to fulfill its international obligations.
The prime minister said whatever decision his government would take would be in national interest and which would not be affected by any pressure.
He declined to comment on remarks made by US Ambassador David C Mulford with regard to India's possible position on the Iran issue.
On India's foreign policy, the prime minister said its aim was to 'promote the enlightened national interest of the country'.
The changes in policy have to be in tune with the changes in the international political scenario, he said.
On US president's India visit he said, "India and the US will review various bilateral initiatives, including the agreement on civilian nuclear cooperation, during President George W Bush's upcoming visit.
"It will be a time for us to review the status of our relations with the US. Some initiatives were taken with regard to cooperation in civilian nuclear power, science and technology, agriculture and between business communities of the two countries. It will a time for us to review where we stand."
On the question of permanent seat in UNSC, Singh said, "There is growing recognition by virtue of our commitment, potential and performance," but added that there can be 'some difficulties on the way'.
India is one of the fastest growing economies in the world and has been reaching out to various countries in terms of establishing linkages.
On the basis of the engagements and the role played by the country at the international fora, India has 'a legitimate candidature' for the permanent seat in an expanded UNSC.
Ruling out transfer of Indian territory, PM Manmohan Singh said the UPA government was committed to a 'pragmatic and practical' solution to all outstanding issues between India and Pakistan.
Replying to a question on Kashmir, Singh said that he could not do certain things, such as negotiate on transfer of the Indian territory.
But, he said India was committed to a 'pragmatic and practical solution to all outstanding issues between the two countries, including Jammu and Kashmir'.
Regarding the differences with supporting Left parties on certain economic and foreign issues, Singh said that his government will complete its full five-year term.
About the strident criticism of the Left parties on certain economic and foreign policies he said, "There may be differences within the coalition but whenever a decision is taken its is taken through consensus. Our government will not fall. It will last full five years."
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