Have done no wrong: PM

As the opposition BJP continued with its disruption of Parliament proceedings over the Quattrocchi issue, the UPA Government today mounted a counter offensive.

As the opposition BJP continued with its disruption of Parliament proceedings over the Quattrocchi issue, the UPA Government today mounted a counter offensive. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said his government had done nothing wrong on the Ottavio Quattrocchi issue and was processing with “utmost urgency” the request for extradition of the Italian businessman.

“I solemnly affirm to the public at large that this government has done nothing wrong. The CBI has been allowed the fullest possible freedom to go about its business and the rule of law will prevail,” the PM said. The Government also made it clear that though there was no extradition treaty between India and Argentina, a request could be made for extradition of Quattrocchi under the Argentinian law. It also rejected BJP-led opposition’s demand for the PM’s resignation.

“The CBI has been diligently preparing an extradition request in accordance with the provisions of Argentinian law within the stipulated time of 30 days. The process had begun on February 7 itself,” Minister of State for Personnel Suresh Pachouri said.

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Pachouri’s statement in both houses of Parliament said the release on bail of Quattrocchi will have no bearing on proceedings to extradite him. “We have been informed on February 26, 2007 at 7.43 pm that Quattrocchi has been released on bail from preventive detention by the Federal Court in Argentina, with the condition that he will not leave the country. This will have no bearing on the extradition proceedings being initiated by our Government,” the Minister said amid opposition protest.

BJP leaders L K Advani and Jaswant Singh had yesterday argued that there was an extradition treaty between the two countries reached during the British rule and that the Italian businessman could be extradited under it.

Quattrocchi was detained on February 6 at Iguazu International Airport in the Argentinian province of Misiones and the CBI was informed about it the next day.