The Hindu : Ivanov, Powell, Straw call up Sinha

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Mar 25, 2003

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Ivanov, Powell, Straw call up Sinha

By Our Diplomatic Correspondent

NEW DELHI MARCH 24. The Russian Foreign Minister, Igor Ivanov, telephoned the External Affairs Minister, Yashwant Sinha, on Sunday and the two shared concerns over the destruction and loss of human life in Iraq. Official sources said this evening that the two reviewed the ongoing developments in Iraq and agreed to remain in touch with each other. Mr. Ivanov and Mr. Sinha exchanged views on how the United Nations could once again be seized of the Iraqi matter given the mounting international concern over the serious humanitarian consequences of the ongoing military action. Separately, the U.S. Secretary of State, Colin Powell, and the British Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw, telephoned Mr. Sinha today and expressed condolences at the Kashmir killings.

Mr. Powell and Mr. Sinha did not discuss Iraq, the sources said.

On the terrorist attack, Gen. Powell said the U.S. had repeatedly called for putting an end to cross-border terrorism. He said Washington would discuss the issue with Islamabad. In a related statement, the U.S. ambassador to India, Robert D. Blackwill, said: "The United States condemns the ghastly murders of innocent men, women and children at Nadimarg village. The global war on terrorism will not be won until such atrocities end against all countries. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families of the victims. We look forward to the terrorists being brought swiftly to justice.''

Mr. Straw said he had expressed "shock'' at the "appalling murder and attacks'' on innocent civilians by terrorists. ``The U.K. strongly condemns such acts. Our thoughts and sympathies are with the families of all killed and those who have been injured. These killings, as with earlier terrorist attacks, underline the need for continued action to eliminate the scourge of terrorism,'' he said.

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