Author:
Publication: Rediff on Net
Date: December 7, 2001
As many as 56 cases of assault,
harassment and intimidation against Indian diplomats in Pakistan has been
reported over the past three years, the Rajya Sabha was informed on Friday.
External Affairs Minister Jaswant
Singh told the House in a written reply that assaults on Indian diplomats
in Pakistan was on the rise with 18 cases reported in 1999, 22 in 2000
and 16 up to December this year.
New Delhi, while strongly protesting
against these assaults, had time and again reminded Islamabad of its obligations
under the Vienna convention as well as the bilateral code of conduct for
treatment of diplomatic and consular staff, Singh said.
On whether the United States had
sought any help or facility from India for 'Operation Enduring Freedom'
in Afghanistan, the minister said New Delhi had offered to Washington facilities
like over-flight, landing and refuelling for US air missions and port calls
by naval ships, in support of the campaign in Afghanistan.
On Pakistani nuclear scientists
having links with the Taliban, Singh said India had entered into a strategic
dialogue with several countries on the issue, thus assuring itself reasonably
of the safety and security of Pakistan's nuclear assets.
