Date:04/07/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/07/04/stories/2006070417701000.htm

National

Iraqi problem can end only when full sovereignty returns: Manmohan

Amit Baruah

Situation tragic, I don't have a readymade solution

Spanish Prime Minister wants greater contacts with India

Both countries should work together to curb terrorism: Manmohan

NEW DELHI: The problem of Iraq can be solved only with the return of full sovereignty to the embattled West Asian nation, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said at a joint press interaction with his visiting Spanish counterpart, Jose Zapatero, here on Monday night.

To a question what could be done to address the daily dance of death and destruction, Dr. Singh said the situation in Iraq was "indeed, very tragic." He "didn't have a readymade solution to the problem."

Mr. Zapatero pointed out that his country did not support the March 2003 invasion of Iraq and he ordered that Spanish troops be pulled out from there. He said democracy had to be consolidated in Iraq. The "future" of Iraq was the most important aspect of the situation.

The "important thing" was for the United Nations Security Council to "recover its standing" in the world.

Referring to bilateral relations, Mr. Zapatero thanked Dr. Singh for publicly extending support to his idea of an "alliance of civilisations". In his view, India in itself was an alliance of civilisations.

It was the "first democracy" of the world and had an annual growth rate of eight per cent. Pointing to India's great cultural and religious diversity, Mr. Zapatero said there was great potential for Spanish companies to invest in this country.

The two sides shared a common view on the need for multilateralism in world affairs, Mr. Zapatero said, adding he wanted greater contacts with India. More Spanish Ministers would visit India, he promised, stressing that India should reciprocate. In his opening remarks, Dr. Singh said India and Spain wanted to upgrade bilateral relations. Trade between the two sides had trebled in the last five years and now stood at 2.7 billion euros.

The Prime Minister wanted Spain, as a key investor, to look at opportunities in India, specifically in the infrastructure and automobile sectors. Both countries should also work together in dealing with the scourge of terrorism and weapons of mass destruction, Dr. Singh said.