By
The Associated Press
AHMADABAD, India - Former President Clinton will spend two days in India's western Gujarat state next week to assess earthquake damage, the U.S. consulate in Bombay said yesterday.
Clinton will be accompanied on his April 4-5 visit by about 20 American business leaders of Indian origin, said Dilip Raval, the Gujarat state government's chief protocol officer.
He said Clinton would offer assistance on behalf of the American India foundation, which has been raising money for victims of the devastating quake that hit the region Jan. 26.
Clinton's spokeswoman in Washington would not confirm the visit. However, both the consulate and Raju Bhatt, a local coordinator of the foundation, said it was scheduled.
Gujarat was rocked by a 7.7 magnitude earthquake that killed more than 20,000 people, although unofficial estimates put the death toll at about 30,000. An estimated 1 million are homeless.
Raval said Clinton planned to tour affected areas of Ahmadabad and meet with officials, then travel the next day to Bhuj, a city almost flattened by the quake, Raval said.
Clinton's last visit to India was in March 2000.
Indian newspapers and local officials have said he will visit the country from April 3-8, arriving in Bombay, India's commercial center, then traveling to Ahmadabad, Bhuj and New Delhi.
