New Zealand anchor’s comment ‘not appropriate’: Dikshit
By IANSThursday, October 7, 2010
NEW DELHI - Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit Thursday said the rude remarks about her by a New Zealand TV anchor were not appropriate but added that it did not make any difference to her.
“It is not appropriate… It does not make any difference…,” Dikshit said in a guarded reaction to the anchor’s comment, prompting the ministry of external affairs to summon New Zealand envoy Rupert Holborow.
India called the comment “racist” and “totally unnacceptable” and said it should be “condemned by all right thinking people and nations”.
Earlier this week, New Zealand TV anchor Paul Henry made offensive remarks on air about how Dikshit’s name should be pronounced. He also made derogatory remarks about Indians.
In a strongly worded statement, the ministry hoped New Zealand would take immediate “demonstrative action” against the journalist.
The high commissioner acknowledged the “vital contribution” of the chief minister to the Commonwealth Games.
MEA sources said the Indian high commissioner in New Zealand had “suitably taken up this matter with the New Zealand government”.
