Sonia is great for Natwar

Former Indian foreign minister and suspended senior Congress Party leader Natwar Singh (C) speaks during a press conference at his residence in New Delhi yesterday. Singh said Manmohan Singh was a weak prime minister and the nation needed a decisive and forceful leadership. Natwar Singh said during his entire stay in Baghdad, no discussion or talks took place with any Iraqi authority on oil, bank accounts, vouchers or receipts. PHOTO: AFP

"In her generosity and greatness, she has not said anything against me till today. Neither will I say anything against her," Singh told a crowded press conference.

Singh contended that during his entire stay in Baghdad in January, 2001 when he led a Congress delegation to Iraq, there was no discussion with any Iraqi authority on the oil-for-food Programme.

"There was no discussion on oil contracts, vouchers, receipts or banks accounts. Ours was a political delegation," he said.

On his return to India, Singh said he had "fully briefed" Sonia Gandhi about his meetings in Baghdad. "Ours was a political delegation".

Singh went on to say that "not a leaf moves in the Congress party without Sonia Gandhi's knowledge." This was based on his long experience with the party, he said.