CPI slams Tharoor's statement, asks Govt to clarify position

The CPI today criticised Union minister Shashi Tharoor's remark that Saudi Arabia can be a valuable interlocutor between India and Pakistan, saying it was an "irresponsible" statement that was creating confusion regarding New Delhi's position on the matter.
       
Party national secretary D Raja said prime minister Manmohan Singh should explain whether there is any shift in India's stand on resolving issues between India and Pakistan bilaterally.
       
"This is an irresponsible statement creating confusion. This one is deviating from India's stated position that no third party intervention is allowed in Indo-Pak relations," Raja said
       
He said the prime minister owes an explanation to the nation and Parliament on the matter.
       
Tharoor said that Saudi Arabia can be a "valuable interlocutor" between India and Pakistan but later clarified that he did not mean that Riyadh should be a mediator.