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New Delhi, April 27, 2006: In an exclusive interview with CNN-IBN
and CNBC, ex-Union Minister Natwar Singh has finally publicly spoken
about the Volcker controversy. Talking to Karan Thapar, Natwar rebutted
allegations that he or Jagat have been evasive and perfunctory after
the scandal broke.
Natwar Singh had given his resignation in December
2005 following a political storm in the wake of the Volcker controversy.
The points Natwar Singh spoke about are:
About Volcker
- His concern that the Authority has asked for a six
month extension.
- His refusal to accept that the noose is tightening
around his neck.
- His response to the NDTV story that there is a contract
between Andaleeb Sehgal and Masefield where Andaleeb's company received
US $ 150,000.
- His response to the CNN-IBN story that there is
a contract dated August 21, 2001 number M/10/57 where Andaleeb has
signed as a director of Masefield.
- His response to Jamil Saidi's interview.
- His rebuttal that there could be any letters written by him to
Tariq Aziz introducing Andaleeb and referring to oil transactions.
- His denial that Andaleeb Sehgal, Aditya Khanna and Jagat were
fronting for him or he was using them as a shield.
- His response to the fact that all the leaks seem to be about
him but not Congress, which is also accused in the Volcker affair.
- His insistence that after Pathak is finished and the ED investigation
complete both he and Jagat will emerge unscathed. However, in the
middle of this answer he does accept that the prolonged process
has damaged his reputation in the public eye.
On the Indo-US nuclear deal, Nepal, Sri Lanka
- The fact that he has reservations which he describes as serious
rather than niggling.
- That he is concerned about things Congressmen have said that
suggest they want qualitative and quantitative caps on India's nuclear
deterrent.
- His concern with the nature of the US presidential waiver which
he argues will not be a one-off but will be constantly necessary.
- His concern that the multiple levels of supervision could entrap
India into the NPT without India formally signing on.
- His concern that both Senators and Congressmen are seeking quid
pro quos in terms of India's relationship with Iran for agreeing
to the deal. Here he quotes Condoleezza Rice, Representative Tom
Lantos and others.
- His claim that he has been proved right on Nepal.
- His belief that India needs to play a more active role in Sri
Lanka.
- His claim that given the troubles in all the neighbours surrounding
India this is a real challenge and test for Indian foreign policy
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