NEW DELHI, July 23 (Xinhua) -- One day after the U.S. air company
Continental Airlines issued a public apology for frisking former Indian
President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam at the Delhi airport three months ago, Kalam said
on Thursday that he is yet to receive a personal apology from the airlines.
"I have not yet received it and whatever I have to do I have said," Kalam
said in a statement to the media.
When asked if he considered it an insult, the former president said, "It
has been discussed in the Parliament."
Continental Airlines Wednesday said they regretted the misunderstanding or
the inconvenience, after Indian government filed a show-cause notice to it for
allegedly breaching Indian aviation rules.
"Continental Airlines apologizes to Dr. Kalam for any misunderstanding and
(or) inconvenience related to the security screening on April 21. Our intention
was never to offend Dr. Kalamor the sentiments of the people of India.
Continental Airlines takes great pride and is honored to have flown a
respectable leader such as Kalam," the U.S. airlines said in a statement.
A highly respected nuclear scientist and intellectual, Kalam was reportedly
so angered by the rudeness of the U.S. air agents that he refused to comment on
this incident and only let it be known recently.
Continental Airlines spokesperson also confirmed that the apology letter has been delivered to Dr Kalam's office on Wednesday. Since Dr Kalam is currently traveling out of Delhi, the letter was delivered to his official staff and they have confirmed the receipt of the letter.