Powell discusses Iraq, N Korea with Sinha

NEW DELHI: As part of their ongoing contacts, US Secretary of State Colin Powell spoke to External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha last night and discussed developments relating to Iraq and also concerns over North Korea clandestinely acquiring nuclear and missile technology from Pakistan.
During the 15-20 minute telephonic parleys, Powell expressed satisfaction with the talks he had last month in Washington with National Security Advisor Brajesh Mishra and highlighted the upcoming visit here by US State Department''s Director of Policy Planning Richard Haass.
Though primarily coming to participate in the CII Partnership summit, Haass will use the opportunity to meet Mishra and Foreign Secretary Kanwal Sibal on Monday and apprise them of US perceptions of the Iraq crisis.
India has strongly opposed any unilateral use or threat of use of force against Iraq in violation of the UN Charter. It is of the view that a comprehensive settlement of the situation was possible only through political and diplomatic efforts strictly within the rules of international law and only under the aegis of the UN.
Powell and Sinha have been in touch telephonically at regular intervals.
Among the issues that came for discussion were North Korea and developments relating to the Iraq situation, External Affairs Ministry spokesman told reporters.