At the press conference, Russo refused to state details of the legal fee he was charging Haneef, saying it is a confidential matter between him and his client. The lawyer and Haneef's cousin Imran Siddiqui also refuted reports that they were negotiating for paid interviews of Haneef with media houses.

In a philosophical mode, Haneef saw his ordeal in Australia as “part of life”. “There are ups and downs. We have to move on in life.”

On how the ordeal has changed him, Haneef said: “I think it was a reminder for me of the final day...the day when we are dead..when we are in the grave...It just reminds me that when we are alone in the graveyard with...nothing...nothing from outside...except what you have done...what you have earned in our lives...”. Haneef added that he is a true Islam follower. “Islam narrates peace and love and nothing else,” he said.

India surprised at Aussie minister remark on visa

NEW DELHI: India on Monday expressed surprise at the Australian Immigration Minister's statement that he wants to release to the public extra information which prompted him to cancel Mohd Haneef's visa on character grounds. External Affairs Minister E Ahamed said the fact that the charges have been withdrawn against Haneef demonstrates that evidence against him is very weak and it will not be able to face the legal test in a court of law. Ahamed, in a statement, also reiterated India's commitment to stand by its citizens if they were subjected to unfair

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