Despite US envoy's apology Indian N-scientist cancels visit
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
New Delhi, Feb 25, IRNA
India-US-Apology
Top Indian nuclear scientist Govardhan Mehtra cancelled plans to visit the US to deliver a lecture at a function organized by the University of Florida, despite the US envoy's expressed apology.
Mehta, who had been initially "denied" but later granted a US visa on Friday, said: "I had cancelled my travel plans the very next day after being denied a visa and had informed the university of the same."
Mehta is a former director of the Bangalore-based prestigious Indian Institute of Science, a PTI report said here today.
US Ambassador David C Mulford expressed his apologies to the Indian nuclear scientist Goverdhan Mehta for the delay in providing him a US visa, which was issued Friday.
US Ambassador Mulford called Professor Mehta on Thursday to notify him and express both his apologies and satisfaction over assurances that a visa would be issued immediately.
Reacting to the US government's decision to grant him a visa, he said, "I had been wronged. It is good that they have corrected the wrong done to me."
"I appreciate the apology extended by the US ambassador to India on the issue but, as far as I am concerned, I think it is only the controversy that has been put to rest, not the issue.
"The issue is a generic one and relates to the free interaction of scientists and their participation in various international activities without being subject to any such restriction or humiliation. It is not only an issue concerned with scientists in India but all over the world," he said.
On the US stand that he had not been denied a visa, he said, "I do not share that perception. I have a piece of paper that clearly states that they were unable to grant me a visa."
"However, I am grateful to the scientific community worldwide for their support, especially to the National Academy of Science," he said.
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