NEW DELHI, 6 April 2003 — External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha has clarified the “middle path” position adopted by India on the Iraq crisis. Speaking at a press conference, he said that “too much” was being made about it. He also said Iraq’s sovereignty should be maintained during the postwar reconstruction.
“The Prime Minister had spoken of the middle path in another context before the war had actually started. Once the war started, there is no question of the middle path. We have clearly stated that this war lacked justification and was avoidable,” Sinha said. Asserting India’s opposition to the strikes against Iraq, he said, “We have never supported the war. We still stand by our position that unilateral action was not warranted and whatever has to be done should be done through the UN and that war is not a preferred solution.”
On India’s role in postwar reconstruction of Iraq, Sinha said as the situation was “still evolving,” it was too early to say anything. “Keeping both the country’s principles and interests in mind, we will review, reconsider and calibrate our position as and when it becomes necessary,” Sinha said.
“Sovereignty covers everything,” Sinha replied when questioned on the principle to be applied to political and economic issues that would surface at the end of the war.
India is in touch with other nations on the Iraq crisis, Sinha said.
On US Secretary of State Colin Powell’s statement that the interim authority in postwar Iraq would initially be headed by Tommy Franks, commander of the coalition forces, he said, “We have seen some such statements. Our preference will continue to be for an arrangement under the UN and sovereignty of Iraq to remain with the people of Iraq.”
Asked to comment on US/UK forces’ war strategy, he said, that US-led coalition had made certain “miscalculations.” They had not expected that there would be major opposition from people in many countries, including America. Coalition had not been able to bring an end to the suffering of the Iraqi people. Besides, Sinha said, miscalculation has also been exposed by the war not ending swiftly.
Meanwhile, India is again witnessing anti-war demonstrations. Muslims in Calcutta, however, decided not to march to the American Center.
“We wanted our protest to be different, as agitating before a glass and concrete building will mean nothing,” chief cleric of Tipu Sultan Mosque, S.M. Noorur Rehman Barkati said. There was also the fear of demonstrations turning unruly.
The Friday special prayers were dedicated to memory of “innocent Iraqis” killed in the war. Around 20,000 people participated in the prayers.
Shops in two Muslim-dominated cities have stopped stocking aerated drinks like Coca-Cola and Pepsi.
Anti-war activists have also attacked stores selling American and British goods, forcing some shop owners to seek police protection. Following an attack on a plush Nike store in downtown shopping district, official protection has been extended to showrooms of American goods.
