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DATE=5/24/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=INDIA/SRI LANKA (L-O)
NUMBER=2-262749
BYLINE=ANJANA PASRICHA
DATELINE=NEW DELHI
INTERNET=YES
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO:  International diplomatic efforts to defuse the 
crisis in Sri Lanka are gathering momentum.  U-S Under 
Secretary of State Thomas Pickering and a Norwegian 
envoy met with Indian leaders today (Wednesday) to try 
to facilitate peace talks between Tamil rebels and the 
Sri Lankan Government.  Anjana Pasricha reports from 
New Delhi, the diplomatic efforts come as heavy 
fighting continues between the Tamil Tigers and Sri 
Lankan forces.
Text:  Mr. Pickering is visiting India to discuss 
bilateral issues- but the Sri Lankan crisis was high 
on the agenda during his meetings with senior Indian 
officials including Defense Minister George Fernandes.
Mr. Pickering's talks with Indian officials come amid 
speculation that the United States wants New Delhi to 
play a more active role in resolving the crisis in 
neighboring Sri Lanka. Mr. Pickering says the United 
States supports a peace effort that is being 
spearheaded by Norway.
            /// INSERT PICKERING ACTUALITY /// 
      We remain of the belief that a military solution 
      in Sri Lanka is not possible and clearly believe 
      it is now an appropriate time for the parties to 
      find an opportunity to find such a solution. We 
      are supportive of the Norwegian initiative, and 
      we would support any constructive role India 
      would like to take in helping to resolve that 
      particular problem.
            /// END ACTUALITY ///
India has refused military assistance to Sri Lanka but 
says it is prepared to evacuate troops from the Jaffna 
peninsula if Colombo requests it. The Indian navy and 
airforce have been put on standby in Southern India.
Indian Foreign Secretary, Lalit Mansingh, also met 
Norwegian peace envoy Erik Solheim who has spent two 
days in Colombo in an effort to bring Tamil rebels and 
the Sri Lankan government to the negotiating table for 
the first time in five years.
Mr. Solheim told reporters that Norway is discussing 
many differing options, but did not elaborate. He said 
India's importance would be "paramount" in resolving 
the situation.
Meanwhile Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga 
has encouraged the Norwegian peace effort. In an 
interview with an Indian newspaper (The Hindu) she 
said New Delhi could strengthen the hands of "our 
chosen facilitator, Norway" and persuade the Tamil 
rebels to come for peace talks.
Tamil Tigers have been fighting since 1983 for a 
separate homeland for the minority Tamil community in 
the north and east of Sri Lanka. (signed)
NEB/AP/KBK 
24-May-2000 10:23 AM EDT (24-May-2000 1423 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
.