Model dinosaurs fly into diplomatic row

A diplomatic incident between India and the UK was narrowly averted this week when a British university attempted to import a set of giant replica dinosaurs for an exhibition in Mumbai.
The University of Portsmouth had sent the model pterosaurs by air freight to Mumbai.
But when customs inspected the unusual cargo, the exhibits were impounded, sparking international diplomatic negotiations involving the British Deputy High Commissioner in Mumbai.
Finally, after three days of round-the-clock discussions, the Indian customs agreed to release the replica flying reptiles to be displayed at Techfest 2007 - Asia's largest science and technology festival.
The British Deputy High Commissioner in Mumbai Vicki Treadell said that she was pleased the impasse had been resolved.
Following their release the pterosaurs, which ruled the skies about 150 million years ago, have been seen by thousands of visitors to the exhibition at the Indian Institute of Technology.
26/01/07 Ian Morgan/24dash.com, UK

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