US envoy Mulford cancels visit to book fair

A US embassy official cited the reasons for cancellation as "other important engagement." The official, however, did not specify.

US Ambassador to India, David C Mulford, who was embroiled in a controversy over his remark linking the Indo-US nuclear agreement with India's vote in the Iran nuclear imbroglio at the IAEA on February two, today cancelled his visit to the Pragati Maidan here where he had to visit a US book exhibition.

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Mulford was scheduled to "meet the media" during his visit to the 'Knowledge USA' booth of the US Embassy Public Affairs Section at the ongoing New Delhi World Book Fair.

A US embassy official cited the reasons for cancellation as "other important engagement." The official, however, did not specify.

"The Ambassador has called off his visit because of some other important engagement," the official said adding that the visit had only been "postponed" but did not give another date.

The Ambassador was to visit the stall to "promote" US books and magazines like 'SPAN', according to the official.

The Ambassador sparked off a storm in Indian diplomatic circles when he reportedly said in an interview that if India did not vote against Iran's nuclear programme at the IAEA, the fallout on the Indo-US nuclear deal in the Congress would be "devastating" and the initiative would "die."

He was also quoted as having said that India had not met the "test of credibility" on separation of its civilian and military nuclear establishments.

The US has demanded that India set out a "credible" plan for separation of its civilian and military nuclear installations if the July 18 agreement for civilian nuclear cooperation is to come to frution.

The agreement can be implemented if the US Congress gives it a green signal after a "credible" plan is presented to it.

Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran yesterday summoned the Ambassador to register India's strong displeasure at the remarks.

However, Mulford has said that he was quoted "out of context.