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Iranian envoy arrives with message for PM
Josy Joseph in New Delhi |
March 22, 2003 01:31 IST
A special envoy of Iranian President Mohammed Khatami arrived in New Delhi on Friday with a message for Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Dr Ali Akbar Wilayati, former foreign minister of Iran, reached New Delhi from Islamabad. According to a spokesman of the external affairs ministry, Wilayati spoke about the situation in Iraq with the prime minister.
He also met External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha and senior government officials.
The spokesman said he wasn't aware of the contents of the letter.
However, sources said the letter expressed the concerns of Iran over the unilateral action by the US and its impact on the situation in West Asia, crude oil prices and international peace.
Iran is not only an old ally of India, but is also among its top oil suppliers.
The MEA spokesman denied reports that the Kuwait airport was closed. He said the Air-India had, in fact, upgraded its routine Mumbai-Kuwait from an Airbus to a bigger Boeing 747.
He said the Air India was ready to operate special flights from Kuwait, if required.
Meanwhile, the Crisis Management Group of the government met again and reviewed the situation in West Asia. The spokesman said there have not yet been any evacuations from Kuwait, but 1,235 Indians have returned voluntarily.