The Hindu : India reiterates support for dialogue in Sri Lanka

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Apr 25, 2002

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India reiterates support for dialogue in Sri Lanka

By Atul Aneja

The Sri Lankan President, Chandrika Kumaratunga, with the Prime Minister, A.B. Vajpayee, in New Delhi on Wednesday. — Photo: V. Sudershan

NEW DELHI APRIL 24. India today reiterated its support for negotiations that would ensure Sri Lanka's unity and territorial integrity, but at the same time meet the aspirations of all ethnic groups in the island nation.

The Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee, conveyed India's position to the visiting Sri Lankan President, Chandrika Kumaratunga. Ms. Kumaratunga held talks with the Prime Minister, in the presence of his Principal Secretary, Brajesh Mishra, and the External Affairs Minister, Jaswant Singh. She was assisted by her former Foreign Minister, Lakshman Kadirgamar.

Official sources here said the request of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) ideologue, Anton Balasingham, for treatment, or the possibility of allowing him transit through India to Thailand for talks with the Sri Lankan authorities did not come up for discussions. India's support for negotiations assumes importance in the light of the possibility of direct talks between Sri Lanka and the LTTE, being initiated in Thailand in June. By reiterating the need for negotiations, India could be signalling that the possibility of talks between the Sri Lankan authorities and the LTTE could be explored, analysts here say.

Talks with Ms. Kumaratunga took place amid protests in Sri Lanka against the Prime Minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe's peace plans involving the LTTE. According to reports, Ms. Kumaratunga's brother, Anura Bandaranaike, joined the protest rally.Government sources here said that India's approach to Sri Lanka's ethnic issue revolved around three main planks. First, India was opposed to secession of Sri Lanka, as was evident in its support for its "unity and territorial integrity''.

Second, New Delhi would like negotiations to take off in Sri Lanka, but in a manner that would satisfy all ethnic communities, including the Tamils. Third, India, while extending its support, would remain averse to any interference in the Sri Lankan peace process.

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