Date:31/03/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/03/31/stories/2008033160101400.htm

National

NDA’s decision on Tibet an error, says Fernandes

New Delhi: The National Democratic Alliance government’s decision to recognise Tibet as part of China was an “error.” The Communist nation was “potential threat number one” to India and the United Progressive Alliance dispensation was allowing it to be “bullied,” the former Defence Minister, George Fernandes, has said

The NDA leader said the Olympic torch should not be allowed to come to India and that he had asked his “colleagues” and others to make “whatever effort” was required to prevent the flame’s run in this country.

“It was not a mistake but an error. It should not have been done,” he said about India’s decision to recognise Tibet as part of China during the Vajpayee-led government.

Mr. Fernandes told Karan Thapar’s “Devil’s Advocate” programme on CNN-IBN that China was “still potential threat number one” and “could become an enemy,” as he recalled his similar statement 10 years ago. He said India’s attitude towards China was because of the 1962 war. — PTI