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No question of third party mediation: Fernandes

Regarding the supply of aircraft by France to Pakistan, Defence Minister George Fernandes said the supply related to an old contract between the two countries.

He said talks between India and Pakistan could be held only after Pakistani intruders leave Indian soil.

Talking to reporters at Patna airport enroute to Rajgir, he said the country would not accept any third party mediation or dictates.

Narrating the country's achievement in gaining control of the point 4700 near Tiger Hill from the intruders, he said 21 jawans, and a few officers, had lost their lives in the fighting.

He said the Indian army and airforce were jointly doing their best to capture the area at the earliest but nothing could be said about how much time it would take to complete the mission.

During his day-long visit to Bihar state, Fernandes will inaugurate the administrative block of the proposed ordnance factory to be built at Rajgir in Nalanda district.

UNI

The Kargil Crisis

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