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We want permanent political solution in Sri Lanka: Moily

Special Correspondent

Demand could be looked into by next government, says Congress

NEW DELHI: After Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi’s call for a separate Eelam for Tamils in Sri Lanka, the Congress on Thursday said it was in favour of a permanent peaceful political solution to the Sri Lankan Tamils issue, but remained silent on whether it should be within or outside the framework of a united Sri Lanka.

This is a modification of the Congress’ stated position, which always echoed the government line.

India’s consistent position had been that there could be no military solution to the issue, and the way out is a negotiated, political settlement based on credible devolution of powers within the framework of a united Sri Lanka, which is acceptable to all communities, including the Tamils.

Congress media in-charge M. Veerappa Moily said: “We want a permanent peaceful political solution,” but did not add within the framework of a united Sri Lanka.

This, sources in the Congress said, was a carefully calibrated statement aimed at partially synchronising the party’s position with the rest of the parties in Tamil Nadu where the Sri Lanka issue is being seen as a possible “game-changer.” With Tamil Nadu being the only big State left to go to the polls, the party is wary of taking any chances.

Asked to elaborate on the Congress position vis-À-vis Mr. Karunanidhi’s call, Mr. Moily said the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam would be an important partner of the United Progressive Alliance and the demand could be looked into by the next government.

Refusing to concede that Mr. Karunanidhi’s call had put the Congress in a spot, party leaders said his position on Eelam was nothing new. “We knew about his position on this issue when we tied up with the DMK five years ago.”

This is the second time over the past couple of weeks that the Congress has changed its position on the Sri Lanka issue.

From echoing the government call for cessation of hostilities, the Congress last month pressed for a ceasefire after Mr. Karunanidhi urged the Centre to issue an ultimatum to Colombo for an “immediate and permanent ceasefire.”

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