Not shedding Defence: Jaswant Singh

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI, SEPT. 26. The External Affairs Minister, Mr. Jaswant Singh, today refuted reports that he had expressed a desire to relinquish his other office as Defence Minister.

Describing the reports as ``totally unwarranted and uncalled for,'' he said he honoured both the responsibilities and there was no question of his giving up the Defence portfolio as the Prime Minister had decided that he should hold both the posts.

Speaking to reporters after a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security, Mr. Singh said the meeting reviewed the complete situation, including developments at the international level and those relating to the security situation in Afghanistan, the countries surrounding it and the region.

Asked about the global warning issued by the WHO on the possibilities of terrorist organisations launching attacks using biological and chemical agents, he said both the Central and the State Governments were fully prepared to meet any situation. There was absolutely no need for any sense of alarm.

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Section  : National
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