Visit to UAE, Turkey — Advani to try and get fugitives extradited

Advani is raising the level of talks at the political level and plans to persuade the leaders of these two countries to cooperate with the Indian government in this regard.

During his visit to Ankara, Advani is set to sign an extradition treaty with Turkey. A draft agreement is ready and already has the approval of the Turkish government. Though Turkey had lent its support to India during the investigation into the Urea scam and had extradited the two Karsan brothers, it is felt that more agreements are required.

Advani is also due to visit Dubai and Abu Dhabi during the course of his six-day visit to the two countries. In between, the Home Minister may also visit Zurich. Though official sources say he will be in Zurich only en route to Ankara, the possibility of his meeting some Swiss government officials has not been ruled out.

This will be the first time that the Home Minister of a country will be visiting the UAE to persuade the government there to impress upon the authorities to extradite those criminals who take shelter after committing crime in India.

Though UAE authorities had agreed in principle to such a treaty, it is still bogged down in nity-gritty. A large number of criminals allegedly involved in various cases, including the Mumbai riots, are residing in Dubai. They are being provided shelter in that country on various grounds. Dawood Ibrahim, Chhota Shakeel and other gangs are also operating from Dubai. Since the Indian government is already trying to broker peace with Pakistanand a breakthrough may be possible, it is felt that UAE and Turkey must be persuaded not to allow these criminals to use their soil as sancturies.

This will be Advani’s second foreign tour after assuming office. He went to UK, France and Israel last year.