Post date: Dec 17, 2013 9:26:14 PM
U.S. State Department spokesman says the removal of security barriers near the American embassy in New Delhi, in apparent retaliation for the arrest of an Indian diplomat in New York, would not harm the good relations between the two countries.
WASHINGTON, D.C., UNITED STATES (DECEMBER 17, 2013) (STATE TV) - The U.S. State Department on Tuesday (December 17) said the removal of concrete security barriers near the American embassy in New Delhi, in apparent in retaliation for the arrest and heavy-handed treatment of an Indian diplomat in New York, would not be viewed as an impediment to an otherwise fruitful diplomatic relationship.
"This isolated episode is not in any way indicative of the close and respectful ties that we share and will continue to share," U.S. State Department deputy spokeswoman Marie Harf said.New Delhi police used tow trucks and a backhoe loader to drag away long concrete blocks from roads running past the embassy and leading up to gates of the compound, a Reuters witness said. The barriers had prevented vehicles approaching at high speeds.
Harf said U.S. diplomats in New Delhi reminded the Indian government of its obligation under international treaty to protect the American embassy. She added that U.S. authorities were still gathering facts of what transpired last Thursday when Devyani Khobragade, India's deputy consul general in New York, was arrested for allegedly underpaying her nanny and committing visa fraud to get her into the United States.
"We know it's a sensitive issue in India. We value the relationship. There are a lot of rumors out there about what may or may not happen, and so we think it's important to get all the facts," Harf said.