Canadian diplomats evicted for not paying rent

Canadian diplomats evicted for not paying rent

Canadian diplomats are being evicted from their consulate in India for failing to pay the rent.

The eviction notice was served by the city council in Chandigarh in March 2000 but has been the source of dispute.

Now Canadian foreign affairs officials say diplomats hope to move into a new office by the summer.

Canadian government spokesman Carl Schwenger said: "It's probably a first for us. The Canadian government always pay its bills.

"Technically, it is Canadian property. We decided not to remain in a premise subjected to dispute."

A Canadian newspaper reports the consulate is one of five Canada has in India. It has a staff of eight diplomats, who handle trade and immigration issues.

Mr Schwenger says the move won't affect Canadians living in Chandigarh or involved in the terrorism war in Afghanistan.