India rules out early SAARC summit

By Atul Aneja

NEW DELHI, DEC. 15. India today ruled out an early summit of the South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation and put on hold its decision on a meeting of foreign secretaries of the member- countries.

In a statement after the talks between the visiting Sri Lankan Foreign Minister, Mr. Lakshman Kadirgamar, and his Indian counterpart, Mr. Jaswant Singh, the Foreign Office said it was agreed to continue meetings of the grouping's ``technical committees.'' Based on the outcome of this interaction, a meeting of the foreign secretaries who constitute a ``standing committee of the grouping'' could be ``considered.''

This decision assumes importance in the light of Sri Lanka's reported demand for an early meeting of the standing committee. Mr. Kadirgamar later called on the Prime Minister, Mr. A. B. Vajpayee.

In a related development, the Foreign Office spokesman indicated that New Delhi was unlikely to let its stated demand on the extradition of Mr. V. Prabhakaran come in the way of possible talks between the Sri Lankan authorities and the LTTE. To a question on Mr. Prabhakaran, the spokesman said India's approach was ``neither to impede peace and reconciliation in Sri Lanka nor is to suggest any change in its policy.'' The statement reiterated India's support for the ``unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity'' of Sri Lanka and for bringing a negotiated end to the conflict in a manner which would meet the aspirations of ``all elements'' of Sri Lankan society. On India's stand on SAARC, analysts say India's latest disposition towards the grouping has been influenced by its soured relations with Pakistan.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Front Page
Previous : 'Something amiss with CBI'
Next     : Govt. in a bind over postal strike