Date:20/09/2003 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2003/09/20/stories/2003092004411100.htm

Southern States - Andhra Pradesh

Naidu caught on the wrong foot

By Our Staff Reporter

HYDERABAD SEPT. 19. The Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, N. Chandrababu Naidu, was caught on the wrong foot at a press conference here today over the invitation he had extended to the Israeli Vice-Premier, Ehud Olmert, to visit the State.

The Israeli leader drew flak internationally for his statement that killing the Palestinian leader, Yasser Arafat, was "definitely an option before Israel". When this fact was brought to his attention by reporters, Mr. Naidu admitted a bit apologetically, "I had no idea about this".

Mr. Naidu announced that during his recent visit to Israel, he had invited Mr. Olmert to the State to improve bilateral trade and also look at the emerging technologies in the area of security.