The Hindu : CM takes up fishermen's woes with Chandrika

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Apr 08, 2003

Southern States

Southern States - Tamil Nadu

CM takes up fishermen's woes with Chandrika

By Our Special Correspondent

CHENNAI April 7. The Chief Minister, Jayalalithaa, called on the Sri Lankan President, Chandrika Kumaratunga, who was transiting the city today. The meeting, which lasted more than an hour, took place at the Raj Bhavan.

The progress of the Sri Lankan peace talks, the problems of Indian fishermen and a possible repatriation of the Tamil refugees to the island and the role of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, reportedly figured in the talks, officials said.

An official release said the visiting President indicated to the Chief Minister the progress in the "on-going peace talks" and they discussed "issues of mutual concern between Sri Lankan and Tamil Nadu".

Ms. Jayalalithaa highlighted the need for early repatriation of the refugees, and their proper resettlement and rehabilitation in Sri Lanka. She requested the President "to use her good offices with the island government to resolve the problem caused by Sri Lankan fishermen detaining fishermen from Tamil Nadu, venturing into the high seas, near the international boundary line, for their livelihood".

The release said the Sri Lankan President had contacted the Chief Minister and informed her that she would like to meet her and hold discussions in person. Accordingly, this morning's meeting was arranged and Ms. Jayalalithaa called on the President and presented her a bouquet.

Ms. Kumaratunga was accompanied by her Adviser and former Foreign Minister, Lakshman Kadirgamar, and Ferial Ashraff, MP.

The Chief Secretary, Lakshmi Pranesh, the Finance Secretary, N. Narayanan, and the Public Secretary, T. Pitchandi, participated in the meeting from the Tamil Nadu side.

Earlier, Ms. Kumaratunga arrived by a scheduled Sri Lankan Airlines flight and was received by the Finance Minister, C. Ponnaiyan, and senior officials. She left by a chartered Indian Airlines service for New Delhi in the evening.

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