Indian PM, MEA in touch with Lankan Government

7 March 2013 09:58 am - 8 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Against the backdrop of demands by Tamil parties that India should vote against Sri Lanka at the UN on human rights issue, Congress Party on Thursday said Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh has made it very clear that any reports that come of violation of human rights is something that needs to be condemned.

Congress spokesperson Sandeep Dikshit said the Prime Minister and the External Affairs Ministry are constantly in touch with the Sri Lankan Government to ensure that rights of the Tamils enshrined both in their constitution and various agreements are followed through.

"There is a peaceful environment and there is an environment where Tamils can live with dignity and equality that is something India will never compromise with it," he added.

The Prime Minister yesterday said India is firmly of the view that issues of reconciliation and political devolution in Sri Lanka need to be addressed with a sense of urgency.

"Members have raised the issue of human rights violations during the conflict in Sri Lanka and the lack of progress on reconciliation, accountability and political devolution in Sri Lanka. The Government takes the sentiments expressed by members very seriously. We are firmly of the view that issues of reconciliation and political devolution in Sri Lanka need to be addressed with a sense of urgency," said Dr. Singh, while winding up the discussion on the motion of thanks on the President''s address in the Lok Sabha.

Dr. Singh said as regards the issue of a draft resolution expected to be Tabled by the United States at the forthcoming Session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, our decision will depend on the substance of the final text Tabled in the Council.

"We will, however, be guided by our consistent position that we support proposals that seek to advance the achievement of a future for the Tamil community in Sri Lanka that is marked by equality, dignity, justice and self respect," he added.

Dr. Singh assured the Lok Sabha that New Delhi will remain engaged with Colombo to promote a durable settlement of the Tamil problem that enables the Tamil citizens of Sri Lanka to lead a life of dignity and self-respect with equal rights.

"I also assure the members that we will remain engaged with the Government of Sri Lanka with regard to the welfare, safety and security of our fishermen to ensure that fishermen on both sides can continue to pursue their livelihood in a safe, secure and sustainable manner," he added.

The External Affairs Minister has asked his Lankan counterpart G.L. Peiris to work with the US and report progress if any made on the issue to arrive at a draft, which is 'acceptable to everybody'.

"It is a humanitarian issue. It is not an issue on which anybody should stand on ceremony or ego. If it is possible, speak to them directly and find a suitable and acceptable draft,"Khurshid told media outside the Parliament here.

The External Affairs Minister''s comments came against the backdrop of mounting demands by Tamil parties that India should take a tough stand against Sri Lanka and vote in favour of resolution to be moved against it.

Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) leader Vaiko earlier on March 2 pressed his demand for an independent international investigation on the war crimes committed by Sri Lankan military on Tamils. He said the Indian Government should severe all economic ties with Sri Lanka.

The US is set to move a new resolution against Sri Lanka at the current session of the UN Human Rights Council for its alleged war crimes, asking the country to promote reconciliation and accountability. (Indian Express)

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Comments - 8

ANTON Thursday, 07 March 2013 10:13 AM

Dr, Singh is gonna sing out against us, boycott all the Indian products and services.

Saskia Thursday, 07 March 2013 10:15 AM

US is with us, we don't care of the central government of India. TN will take care of them.

No Drog Thursday, 07 March 2013 10:31 AM

thanks Mr Sigh

MountainLion Thursday, 07 March 2013 11:09 AM

Please come and see the development in the north and the east. Forget the killing. That is our culture.

PRASANNAJIT Thursday, 07 March 2013 11:40 AM

Is there really any development in North and East?

ss Thursday, 07 March 2013 03:43 PM

He also said that 13 amendment should be implemented! Why are you publishing in bits and pieces!

ordinary man Friday, 08 March 2013 04:38 AM

Very Intelligent of you. Boycott everything from India Including Buddhism, Arya Sinhala race ???

Oh sorry you dont seem to be a Sri Lankan

joseph Friday, 08 March 2013 05:14 AM

buhaha... boycott and then what? indian goods have enuf and more of consumers from india, what is this tiny island gonna create? a demand vaccum ? in ur dreams!!! if not for India, who will help you? China? that nation comes and rapes (Literally) all countries it abodes, chk any leading african newspaper articles abt china for instance. All the best !!

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Indian PM, MEA in touch with Lankan Government

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