‘Abhorrent’ Abu Ghraib enters Iraq debate. No sending troops, I know my job, says Natwar

In new Delhi’s first response to the abuse of Iraqi prisoners in Abu Ghraib jail, External Affairs Minister Natwar Singh said there can be ‘‘no condoning of such heinous acts’’ and reiterated that the question of sending troops to Iraq ‘‘does not arise’’. ‘‘To expect me to compromise on this issue is being unfair to me and my contribution for the last 51 years. A compromise on sending troops is inconceivable...No one has asked for troops and even if asked, India will not send troops,’’ he said.

Singh said the torture of prisoners by the occupation forces in Iraq was ‘‘abhorrent’’ and ‘‘violated human rights and humane behaviour’’. Making a statement in Lok Sabha today, Singh said: ‘‘The US Senate Armed Forces Committee has condemned the brutalities and indecent acts by US soldiers... Like the rest of the world, the Government considers the ill-treatment of Iraqi prisoners abhorrent.’’

At the same time, he acknowledged the corrective measures being taken by the US and UK. ‘‘We have noted the regret expressed at the highest level by US and UK and the intentions of their governments to take corrective and punitive steps through their military, administrative and legal system to prevent recurrence of such inexcusable practices,’’ Singh said.

Referring to the resolution passed in Parliament on April 8, 2003 on sending troops to Iraq, he said: ‘‘We took into account a number of factors such as ground realities, development of political process, UN’s role, public perception in Iraq and of Iraq’s neighbours, national sentiment in India and capacity to spare our troops ...Accordingly, we have decided not to consider any troop deployment in Iraq.’’ He also clarified that India ‘‘has not been approached recently’’ for troops to Iraq.

He also stressed on consensus in foreign policy decisions. ‘‘We have to take you, the House, the nation with us...We are not running a static and sterile foreign policy but one that is responsive to the people of 21 Century.’’

http://www.indianexpress.com/full_story.php?content_id=50547