Report on Indian diplomats stealing items in Geneva wrong:MEA

New Delhi, May 18 (UNI) Terming as ''simply not true'' a media report that Indian diplomats posted in Geneva stole rare carpets and paintings from a rented house there, the External Affairs Ministry today said the landlady herself has talked of only stains on moquettes or floor coverings and breakage of some minor decorative items.

''The allegation that the premises have been stripped of rare carpets, paintings and other items is simply not true.

''The claim made on behalf of the landlady itself talks only of stains on moquettes or floor coverings, curtains and breakages to some minor decorative items and plumbing, but has, in the view of the Mission, made exaggerated demands for their restitution. The Mission will deal with the claim in consultation with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Commerce, under whose budget the premises were hired,'' a foreign office spokesman said in response to queries.

He said the news item, captioned ''In Geneva, an Indian scam: First splurge, then steal'' is full of misrepresentation of facts and unfairly targets officials of the Geneva Mission, giving credence to wild allegations made by a landlady of premises hired by the Mission.

It has turned a tenancy dispute between the landlady and the Mission into a ''scam,'' suggesting that there has been illegal activity on the part of officials of the Mission.

''This is unfortunate and is a most unfair and unwarranted blemish cast on the good name of officers of the Mission,'' the spokesman said.

The facts of the case are that upon returning the apartment in question in April 2005 to the landlady, the latter has put in a claim for expenses for restoring the apartment to its original shape. The contract, however, provides for normal wear and tear as the liability of the landlady herself and therefore a dispute has arisen.

With regard to the rent of the property, anyone who is familiar with property rates in cities like Geneva and aware that the current rate of the Swiss Franc to the Rupee is Rs 35 to the Franc, would certainly not consider the amount paid for the premises as ''splurging.'' It is hoped that media will avoid turning such tenancy disputes, where exaggerated claims are routinely made by the landlords and which are quite common in several parts of the world, into an unfair and misleading portrayal of the credentials of our officers,'' he said.

UNI SN VD RN1737