Saturday, March 15, 2003
India rejects US request to expel Iraqi diplomats
Associated Press New Delhi, March 15
India has rejected a US request for the expulsion of three Iraqi diplomats based in New Delhi, who were allegedly involved with an Indian company facing US penalties for contributing to Iraq's weapons programs, a news report said on Saturday.
India's decision was relayed to Washington last week, said The Economic Times.
At least four countries in Europe and Asia have expelled Iraqis since the United States issued a request last week that nations kick out Iraqi diplomats and others it considered potential threats.
Washington has identified 300 Iraqis in 60 countries as agents of Iraqi President Saddam Hussein who could attack American interests overseas. Saturday's report said the three diplomats may have been involved with India-based NEC Engineers Private Ltd. Last month, the United States slapped penalties on the company for contributing to Iraq's chemical and biological weapons programs.
The report did not give further details.
Spokesmen for the US ebassy in New Delhi and India's External Affairs Ministry declined comment on the report.
Last year, Indian authorities arrested an executive of NEC Engineers Private Ltd. for allegedly exporting to Iraq banned items that could be used for making rocket propellants. Prosecutors charged Rajiv Dhir, 46, with shipping atomized aluminum powder and titanium worth $790,000 to Iraq from 1998 to 2001.
He is facing trial and could be jailed up to seven years if convicted.
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