Kolhapur, June 16: The NCP today opposed any move to send Indian
troops for peace-keeping operations in Iraq and said New Delhi
instead should help Iraq in the rebuilding process.

"Iraq is our friend and the Indian Army should not be used for peace-
keeping - that also under the US authority. India should help Iraq
to rebuild roads, schools and hospitals," NCP chief and former
Defence Minister Sharad Pawar said.

Sharad Pawar said NCP was aware of BJP's reported stance on early
elections. "However, we should also be prepared," he said.

Inaugurating a new building of an orphanage, built at a cost of Rs
25 lakh donated by Japan Life India Ltd, Pawar appealed to the
affluent class to adopt orphans and educate them to contribute to
the nation-building.

"If a child is kept away from education, he is deprived of the
development and ultimately India will remain backward in global
development. Hence, there is need to help the poor and orphans,"
Pawar said.

Bk