Date:14/04/2003 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2003/04/14/stories/2003041406540100.htm

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India can be a model for Iraq: Chalabi

NEW DELHI APRIL 13. Ahmed Chalabi, head of the Iraqi National Congress and tipped to lead a post-war government in Iraq, has said that the Indian democratic system should be taken up as a model for his country. He also expressed his desire to visit India.

"Democracy in India is a marvel of civilisation. We hope in some respects to have a political system similar to India," Dr. Chalabi, now involved in the U.S.-led efforts to form a new interim government, told Third Eye TV, which covers the war for Doordarshan. "India is a great country. It is special for us. India also developed on her own and achieved great technological advancement. I am devoted to India and would like to visit India soon," he said in his first interview to the Indian media.

PTI