Reconsider stand-SL tells India

21 March 2012 03:25 am

As parties continued to raise the Sri Lankan Tamils issue in Parliament, Colombo on Tuesday sought India's support in the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, a day after Prime Minister Manmohan Singh told Parliament that India was inclined to vote for the U.S.-sponsored resolution.

Minutes before Dr. Singh rose in the Rajya Sabha to reiterate India's position, External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna received a call from his Sri Lankan counterpart G.L. Peiris from Geneva.

Mr. Peiris urged that India reconsider its stand, given the close ties between the two countries, and said Colombo was hopeful of New Delhi's support. Sources in the Ministry told The Hindu that during the conversation, Mr. Krishna referred to India's suggestion that Sri Lanka take steps to implement the recommendations of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Committee.

Expressing the hope that Sri Lanka would implement these measures, Mr. Krishna said political parties in the country were voicing concern over the issue and both countries should remain engaged. (The Hindu)