The Hindu : Front Page : Pranab’s concern over Sri Lanka situation

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Feb 22, 2009
ePaper | Mobile/PDA Version

Front Page

Front Page

Pranab’s concern over Sri Lanka situation

“A political
solution is the only
way out”
India to appeal for protection of Tamils’ rights

Berhampore (WB): India on Saturday expressed concern over the latest turn of events in Sri Lanka, particularly the air raids by Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam over Colombo and appealed to the government and the militant organisation to come to a peaceful, negotiated settlement.

It also said unless there was a congenial and peaceful atmosphere, attacks and counter-attacks would continue. “An LTTE plane has been shot down. This is of concern. Political solution has to be found to the LTTE issue and military action will not do,” External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee told reporters.

Maintaining that “a political solution is the only way out,” he said: “The two sides should sit across the table for a negotiated settlement of the issue. And, for that, a congenial and peaceful atmosphere has to be created. Till that is not forthcoming, attacks and counter-attacks will continue to hit the country.”

Stating that India’s stand was “very clear,” Mr. Mukherjee said: “We are concerned. We are concerned for the huge Sri Lankan Tamil population who have been caught in the crossfire. They are being killed and their normal life is seriously affected.” He said India would appeal to Colombo to ensure that the rights of the minority Tamils were protected. Mr. Mukherjee was here for a credit camp of UCO Bank at Raghunathganj, 60 km from here, in Murshidabad district.

Recalling the treaty signed in 1987 between the then Sri Lankan President and late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, Mr. Mukherjee said: “The decisions arrived there should be implemented. The decision for decentralisation of power and more powers to the provincial council should be followed.” – PTI

Troops encircling last LTTE town: Army

Child soldiers in peril: UNICEF

“Prabakaran still holed up in Wanni”

LTTE fired at bus, says Colombo

35,000 have moved to safer areas: Colombo

Sri Lanka issue echoes in Parliament

Safety zone in LTTE-held area

Red Cross reveals another hospital shelling

28 killed in Sri Lanka blast

Colombo’s plea to global agencies

Remarks by Pranab Mukherjee

Editorial: End game in Sri Lanka