Sistema telecom issue not judicial but political:Russian envoy

External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid hoped that when Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will meet with President Vladimir Putin, India would have "adequate answers", if the issue was raised, that would bring comfort.

Addressing a press conference here, Russian Ambassador to India Alexander M Kadakin said, "Very active talks are being held between Sistema and the concerned Indian Ministries. I hope it is resolved. There is no problem that is unresolvable in Russia-India relations."

He also said, "And for us it is not a judicial matter. No, I am very much against this. This is a political issue for Russia because we have an agreement that safeguards each others' investments."

 

When asked about Kadakin's remarks, Khurshid said, "I could be critical as well. But it will not help. We are bound by the judgements of the courts and because of the difficulties that we felt understanding the law, we preferred an advisory opinion."

The minister also said the Supreme Court has not advised on the "fifth question" in relation to the matter. "So there are important questions, particularly the 5th question" that deals with the relief when there are international obligations, he said.

The minister said this will be brought to the notice of the Chief Justice and the Supreme Court and "they might want to take a fresh look at this. In the absence of the Supreme Court giving a very clear guidance on this, there isn't any executive decision that can be taken."

Khurshid also made it clear that India was "sensitive" to Russia's concern. "Issues of concern will be taken up and will be addressed...There are no insurmountable issues," he said.

"There is a concern felt... We are sensitive to that concern. We are trying to address that concern in one way or the other. We are hopeful that those concerns will get addressed. I cannot put a timeline on it. I hope that when the Prime Minister meets with President Putin, if this topic comes up, we will have some adequate reply ready which will bring some comfort, I believe," Khurshid added. (More)