Praful Patel did not ask for apology: US

Washington, Sep 30 (PTI) Indian Civil Aviation
Minister Praful Patel did not ask for an apology when he met
US Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano in Montreal on
being questioned by immigration authorities for mistaken
identity at Chicago airport.
"He (Patel) didn't ask for an apology but we did talk
about what is needed in both countries to make sure that air
travel remains safe," Napolitano told the CNN in an interview.
Napolitano met Patel in Montreal on the sidelines of
the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) meet.
"Well, I actually met with the minister yesterday. We
had a good conversation," Napolitano said when asked about
Patel's detention at the Chicago airport and whether he was
"really grilled".
"I think it gives confidence that no one is exempt
from screening or random screening. That's part of the
process. Unpredictability is part of the process," she said.
"On the other hand, when you have known experts from
other countries, known higher officials from other countries
we need to make sure that they can get through the airport
smoothly," she said.
Napolitano said global aviation has been much safer
after the failed Christmas bombing attack due to the series of
security measures taken by the US and other countries.
"I think global aviation has been safe. Our goal is to
keep it so. And to make sure that we are adapting where we
need to in light of the fact that the threat keeps evolving
and adapting," the official said.
"So, when you have 190 nations of the world in one
place reaching a global consensus on not only a set of
standards to be achieved but also a set of regional summits
that will take place over the next 18 months, and really a
commitment to make sure this global aviation system which
helps knit us all together remains safe, that's really a
historic achievement," she said. PTI