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Britain formally seeks Bleach's release

Bleach was arrested in December 1995 with four Russian pilots and a Latvian pilot for illegally dropping arms over West Bengal.

The Russians and the Latvian were released in July after authorities in Moscow lobbied the Indian government on their behalf.

"We are asking that Bleach be treated the same way as the Russians," Sir Rob said, adding that British Foreign Secretary Robin Cook had written to his Indian counterpart Jaswant Singh on December 4 on the subject.

The letter followed talks between Cook and Singh in London in November, Sir Rob said, adding that Singh had promised to 're-examine Bleach's position' as soon as he returned to Delhi.

Bleach is at present in jail in Calcutta and does not become eligible for release for at least 14 years.

After studying the Indian verdict against Bleach, Britain had concluded that 'there is no distinction on the grounds on which Bleach was convicted and the Russians were convicted', Sir Rob said.

If Bleach was not released, 'it would look discriminatory', he said, adding that India had not responded to Cook's letter as yet.

He dismissed as 'untrue' news reports from London Thursday, that British Prime Minister Tony Blair may delay confirming his visit to India next year in order to up the pressure on the Indian authorities over Bleach.

Sir Rob also denied claims that the British government had not moved as fast as the Russians to get Bleach released.

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