Arab League 'worried' over Sharon's visit to India

Speaking to reporters after a meeting of Arab foreign ministers, Secretary-General Amr Moussa said he hoped India wouldn't back Israel in a way that "helps Israel escalates its killing and destruction to the Palestinian territories".

Israeli Prime minister Ariel Sharon arrived in India late on Monday amid nationwide protests. India has been a longtime supporter of the Palestinian struggle for self-rule.

Tap Here to Add The Daily Star As A Trusted Source

"Of course we can't tie any country's hands, (whether) to receive a certain official or not," Moussa said. "But we hope India will remain sincere to its relations with Arabs and not give support to an aggressive country, an occupier, who rejected peace."

"We are expecting more than that from India," Moussa said.

At the same news conference, Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Maher said Indian officials assured him that they would abide by their "traditional stance... and would support the Arab rights, including support for a just and comprehensive settlement."