'Hand Over Dawood'

Excerpts from the statement by the MEA spokesperson Navtej Sarna in response to US notification on DawoodIbrahim.


On on the US notification on Dawood Ibrahim

We welcome the step taken by the United States declaring Dawood Ibrahim as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist. The designation recognizes Dawood Ibrahim’s underworld and terrorist connections, his efforts to destabilise India, his involvement in the 1993 Mumbai bombings and his support to LeT. This would automatically trigger a request for his inclusion in the United Nations listing as well.

We renew our demand to the Government of Pakistan to hand over Dawood Ibrahim to India so that he can be prosecuted for the crimes committed by him. We also appeal to other States to disallow him transit or relocation from his current residence.

In this connection I would like to add that this afternoon there was a meeting in the Ministry of External Affairs betweenMr. Arun Singh, JointSecretary (Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran) and Mr. Munnawar Bhatti, Deputy High Commissioner of Pakistan in New Delhi. Drawing attention to the fact that India had repeatedly sought that Pakistan hand over Dawood Ibrahim to India,Mr. Arun Singh once again reiterated this demand in the light of further developments.

On the UNSC Resolution on Iraq

I have been getting calls since last night on our reaction to the UN Security Council on Iraq. So I have a statement, which I will read out. The Government of India welcomes the unanimous adoption of Security Council Resolution 1511 on Iraq on October 16, 2003, as a positive step towards the restoration of sovereignty of Iraq to the Iraqi people.

We have taken positive note of the re-affirmation in the resolution of the rights of the Iraqi people to determine their political future, and in this context the mandate to the Governing Council of Iraq to draw up a time table and programme by 15 December, 2003 for the drafting of a new constitution and holding of democratic elections under that constitution. However, the resolution lacks specificity on the timing of transfer of sovereignty.

SCR 1511 envisages strengthening of the role of the UN in Iraq in areas of humanitarian assistance, economic reconstruction and in the political transition leading to establishment of representative government.

We have taken note of the appeal in the resolution to UN member states to assist the Iraqi people in their efforts in the reconstruction of Iraq. In this context, we reiterate our readiness to contribute to the restoration of infrastructure, medical, health, education, communication and other civilian needs of the Iraqi people. We will therefore be participating in the international Donors Conference in Madrid later this month.

Forthcoming Visits

Two quick updates on forthcoming visits. Not press releases, but I may tell you Foreign Minister of Brazilwill be visiting India on Oct.20-22, and the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka will be here on a working visit onOct.19-22. For Brazilian Foreign Minister the working date would be 21st and for the Sri Lankan Prime Ministerthe major meetings would be on Oct.20, although there would be some more calls on Oct.21.

Q & ASession

Question : Who all will the Sri Lankan PM be meeting?

Answer : Sri Lankan Prime Minister will, of course be meeting Prime Minister Vajpayee. There will be calls by Deputy PM, EAM, Minister of Defence, Commerce & Industry, and various other Ministers, but these are all in the process of being confirmed.

Question : This is regarding Iraq. What about sending Indian troops to Iraq. Can you elaborate on this?

Answer : We have noted the mandate given for the setting up of a Multi-National Force under unified command as also the immediate reaction of several important countries such as Germany, Russia and France on the question of commitment of troops. In so far as troop deployment by India is concerned, there have been several developments since our decision on 14 July, 2003 and any future decisions in this regard will be taken keeping in mind the realities of the situation on ground, our international responsibilities and domestic needs and security concerns.

Question : Can you elaborate further on this……?

Answer : I would rather not elaborate.

Question : On this Dawood issue………the American decision has been preceded by Mr.Armitage’s statement that cooperation from Pakistan has been coming from the top. Sir, is this the US making its own statement against Pakistan. Or, do you see this as something on India’s behalf…

Answer : Well, I think I would rather that that question be answered by the US. I would rather not speak for the US Government. I think that you are well aware that there is an international coalition against terrorism. The US Government has taken its decision keeping its own processes and concerns in view. Our concerns have been made known to Pakistan, as I said, repeatedly and as I have said earlier, the designation by the US recognizes his efforts to destablize India, his involvement in 1993 Mumbai bombings and support to LeT.

Question : O.I.C. has asked for a delegation to go to J&K….

Answer : I don’t see anything new in that. This suggestion has been made repeatedly and it has repeatedly been turned down. As you know, in India-Pakistan relations we do not see any role for any third party. As far as J&K is concerned, it is our internal matter.

Question : Any reaction to the report of the blast in front of J&K CM’s house?

Answer : Well I think on that, the Deputy Prime Minister has already spoken.