NEW DELHI, April 8: The Indian parliament on Tuesday condemned the US-led invasion of Iraq and demanded an immediate withdrawal of American and British forces from the country.

“Expressing national sentiment, this house condemns the war in Iraq by the US-led coalition. This is not acceptable,” said a statement read out in parliament by speaker Manohar Joshi.

“The innocent people of Iraq, especially the pain of women and children, is a serious humanitarian issue and this house expresses serious anguish and deep sympathy (for them).

“This house also demands the war in Iraq end immediately and the coalition forces should withdraw,” the statement said, adding the invasion was carried out in violation of the charters of the UN.

It also insisted on the reconstruction of Iraq under the close supervision of the United Nations, and said India would send one billion rupees in cash and food to the Iraqi people through the UN.

The unanimous statement came after almost two days of squabbling between the government and opposition parties on its wording, jamming work in parliament since it reopened on Monday after a month’s vacation.—AFP