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India declines fire-fighter's role in Lanka

External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh on Monday night ruled out the possibility of Indian mediation to end the ethnic violence in Sri Lanka. However, he assured New Delhi's 'full support' to Sri Lanka in reaching a political solution by initiating a process of devolution of powers in the troubled province.

Singh also announced a $100-million credit facility to Sri Lanka to help tide over its current financial problems. The terms and conditions of the credit facility are to be worked out by the finance ministers of the two countries shortly. The facility is expected to be used to purchase rice, wheat and sugar on a counter-trade basis from India.

"The question of mediating with the LTTE is not there. The situation does not warrant any mediation at present," Singh said in New Delhi soon after his arrival from Colombo where he was on a two-day official visit.

He made it clear that India would not like to get involved in a 'fire-fighting' situation in Lanka.

"India's military intervention in the ethnic conflict is not an option. The Sri Lankan government did not ask for any military assistance and India is in no way going to repeat an IPKF-type operation there," he said.

During his stay in Colombo, Singh held extensive talks with President Chandrika Kumaratunga, Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar and other leaders on various aspects of the ongoing conflict in the island nation. He described the talks as 'most constructive and effective'.

He said it was broadly based on three aspects - to reiterate India's commitment for the unity and integrity of Sri Lanka, reaffirm its commitment for achieving lasting peace and stress on initiation of the political process.

Kumaratunga apprised Singh of current political developments, including the efforts made by Norway to mediate peace. She welcomed India's offer of humanitarian as well as economic assistance.

"There is a greater degree of appreciation of India's attitude on the current ethnic crisis in Sri Lanka. We have been playing a continuing role in the peaceful resolution of the conflict," Singh said.

He said there was general consensus among political parties in Lanka that the political process should proceed within a specified time frame. "They also want cessation of hostilities," Singh said, adding that peace could not be achieved overnight.

Referring to devolution of political powers, the minister stressed that India's role in the process would in no way encroach upon Lankan sovereignty.

The joint statement issued at the end of the visit reiterated India's commitment to the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Sri Lanka. It expressed India's support to a political process that produces a settlement that meets the aspirations of all communities. The two sides agreed to take measures to bring about lasting peace in the island nation.

Singh emphasised that he left Sri Lanka at the end of his visit confident of the depth, strength and direction of India-Sri Lanka relations and the ability to meet the common challenges both countries face.

Monday's discussion at the Lankan President's house lasted for almost two hours. Leela Ponnappa, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs and Indian High Commissioner Shiv Shankar Menon assisted Jaswant Singh, while Lankan Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar, Defence Secretary Chandrananda de Silva and other senior officials assisted Kumaratunga.

Singh also had a one-to-one meeting with Kumaratunga that lasted for about 15 minutes. They decided to further strengthen the close and friendly relations that India and Sri Lanka have traditionally enjoyed.

UNI

EARLIER REPORT
India, Sri Lanka talks underway amid Jaffna fighting: AFP

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