Q4. Salman Rushdie's book the "Satanic Verses" (whatever the merits or demerits of the issues) has created havoc for "race relations" in the UK.
What in your opinion is the way to defuse this issue? What is the way forward?
A.
First, I don't agree that "The Satanic Verses" has "created havoc". Although it has caused concern and hurt to many people - Muslims and non-Muslims - it has also given us an opportunity to consider the nature of Britain as a multi-racial society.
We have tried to reduce tension in several ways. We have made it clear that freedom of speech within the law must be respected. We have upheld Mr Rushdie's right to write what he chooses and have condemned the threats made against him and his publisher. At the same time, we have made it clear that we have the highest regard for Islam, for its proud, long traditions and its values. We understand how hurt Muslims are by what they regard as an insult to their great religion. Mr Rushdie has also apologised himself for any upset that the book may have caused.
The way forward is clearly to continue to promote greater understanding between the different faiths and cultures represented in Britain today. This is the government's objective, and we have demonstrated our respect for peoples' diverse faiths and backgrounds. In this way, I am confident that the difficulties caused by this affair will pass.
Q5.
There seems to be a controversy about the British High Commissioner's residence in New Delhi and the Indian High Commissioner's residence at Kensington Palace Gardens where the respective leases have run out. Has a solution been found?
A.
The lease renewals are of course matters of separate commercial negotiations between respective landlords and tenants. There is no controversy. It is merely a question of negotiating the terms of new leases. We certainly hope that arrangements can be worked out which will be satisfactory to both sides.
Q6. Over the past one year there has been a series of high level visits of officials between the UK and India.
The Vice President of India visited the UK on state visits in the past few months.
A number of your Ministers/Colleagues have visited India. there an "upswing" in relations between India and the because of this?
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