Natwar finally has the floor in RS -- on the Iraqi OfF Scam

New Delhi, Aug 14 (UNI) Suspended Congressman and former External Affairs Minister Natwar Singh -- whose alleged involvement in the Iraqi Oil-for-Food Programme kept Parliament simmering over the past 10 days and more -- today finally had his say in the Rajya Sabha.

Denied the platform so far, the former Minister at last was granted ''Special Permission'' by House Chairman Bhairon Singh Shekhawat to make a ''personal explanation'' regarding his involvement -- or otherwise -- in the Iraqi OfF Programme that has shaken the Indian political firmament no end.

Indicted by the R S Pathak Authority which probed the involvement of Indian political entities and individuals in the Iraqi OfF scam, Mr Natwar Singh had cried himself hoarse pleading innocence over the past week -- but his application in this regard had lain pending a decision by the Rajya Sabha Chairman.

So finally today, immediately following the onset of Zero Hour, the former Minister made an impassioned appeal to his Rajya Sabha colleagues to help him clear his besmirched name.

Speaking in a firm voice -- though surcharged with emotions, Mr Natwar Singh recounted the Iraqi OfF Programme history -- his own trip to Baghdad leading a Congress Party delegation in January 2001 during which ''no discussion or talk took place with any Iraqi authority with regard to the Oil for Food Programme, oil contracts, vouchers, bank accounts etc.... .

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